I do not believe easily in what is served to the media. It is very hard for Russia and Japan to develop stronger economic ties, as the watchfull eyes are out there insuring that Japan does not get too cozy with its neighbors. In such a political climate, it makes sense for both countries to come up with various schemas to gradually increase the economic activity without getting too much attention. So, Gazprom "does not have money". And, coicidentally, Japan "has pipes". In these tough economic times, Japan can use some job-generating deals, while increasing the stake in the major pipeline --- all that with a very little fanfare. In Russia, ways will be found for Russian producers to get some part of the deal, and the price differential will be calculated in the deal. Japan needs badly to diversify its sources of energy, and slowly --- but surely, Japan is getting there. However, until Japan becomes more of an equal partner with US, it will be difficult for the country to integrate itself in the economy of its own region. For purely political reasons, Japan has missed out on the economic resurgence in both China and Russia. Now, with the economies world-wide in the dumps, it will be easier for Japan to persuade its long time friend and supporter to lower the anxiety level, and allow Japan to use its tremendous advantages in the development of the Asia's far East.