However, according to Panov, Japanese authorities on the contrary stick to a very "balanced" position. On the one hand, they are planning Abe's trip to Russia, and on the other they are coordinating their efforts with the US and other Western countries.
"On the one hand, Abe is preparing for his visit to Moscow, on the other he is trying to sooth his partners saying that it [the visit] won't cause serious damage to a common position of G7, especially regarding Ukraine," the expert said.
"Maybe it is not a coincidence that the restrictions on the acquisition of controlling stakes in a number of Russian hydrocarbon deposits by Japanese companies are announced to be removed," the expert said.
"Japan asked for this for a long time, but Russia did not go for it and made exceptions only for China. Now it will be possible to find a formula of Japanese participation in such projects, in spite of the sanctions," Panov explained.
Regarding the resolution of a long-standing dispute between Russia and Japan over four Pacific Ocean islands, the expert, however, remained skeptical.
"The parties stick to the same positions. The Russian side proceeds from the fact that the ball is on the Japanese side, and Japan should offer some sort of compromise," the expert concluded.