Japan and Soviet-Japanese relations in Manchuria were an important factor in the development of the Sino-Soviet conflict on Chinese Eastern Railway in 1929. Till present time there hasn’t been enough research on this issue and in the historical literature it is most often treated with propaganda clichés. During summer-autumn of 1929 main information about the events in Manchuria was provided to Russia through Japan. The positions of the USSR and Japanese leadership on the issue of Chinese Eastern Railway mostly coincided with each other. 1929 was a time of successful bilateral interaction, however, both sides followed the course of further curtailment of Soviet-Japanese cooperation.

This article analyzes the current state of economic relations between Russia and Japan, the factors that influence the dynamics and structure of economic ties between the two countries, defines perspective directions of development of mutually beneficial cooperation. The author shows that the importance of economic cooperation between Russia and Japan for each country should not be measured only by statistical data. It is important to understand what strategic goals for social-economic development of the country as a whole, certain sectors and regions in particular can be reached by means of such cooperation.

In the second half of 2015 significant changes have taken place in both global and Japan’s domestic energy markets. As a result, a number of joint projects with Russia have lost its appeal to Japan. To revitalize the dialogue in energy field, the Russian side needs to design more effective policies in attracting Japanese investors.

In March 2012 President Putin put forward the idea of hikiwake (a judo term meaning that no side gets any gain). This principle could serve as a means of conducting political Russian-Japanese dialogue on the «Nothern Territories» issue settlement that might evolve into further conclusion of a peace treaty. As the author sees it, the above mentioned principle cannot play a decisive part in this matter. And the very concept of hikiwake was put forward to maintain the existing «status quo» with the Japanese side.

After short historical introduction the author analyses the features of Japanese approach to the solution of ecological problems and ecological knowledge dissemination, ecological legislation as well as ecological footprint of mankind in whole and of Japan.

Japan's relations with both States on the Korean Peninsula are of paramount importance from the point of view of ensuring its national security. However, due to certain historical circumstances, as well as a number of factors in the international situation in Northeast Asia, Japan's relations with South and North Korea are not always straightforward. This imposes a serious mark on all sides of Japanese foreign policy.

The 18th Annual International Conference “History and Culture of Japan” was held in Moscow, at Russian State University for the Humanities on February, 17-19. The conference was organized by Institute for Oriental and Classical Studies of Russian State University for the Humanities. 45 scholars in various fields took part in the conference (History, Philology, Arts, etc.). Many papers examined different aspects of Japan`s communication with external world - cartography, conception of barbarians and foreigners in ancient and medieval Japan, European painting and music in Meiji Japan, etc. Some presented papers offered new archival sources, making the Conference a significant event in Japanese studies.