Japan’s dilemma over frosty ties with Russia deepens after reporter’s arrest

The arrest of a Japanese journalist in Russia has finally woken Tokyo up to the fact that Moscow is playing hardball in their diplomatic relationship, and the country's apparent unwillingness to push back with commensurate force could encourage the Kremlin to test its neighbour's resolve, analysts say.

Russia has released footage of the arrest of the journalist and his transfer to Lefortovo Prison in Moscow. An official of the Japanese embassy in Moscow has been refused access to speak with the journalist.