Russia seems to be stepping up efforts to build closer ties with Japan through cracks in Tokyo's alliance with the United States, even as it tries to resolve the thorny Northern Territories issue on terms favorable to Moscow.

Japan is in danger of playing right into the hands of Russia unless the new government of Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and his Democratic Party of Japan establish firm diplomatic policies toward the colossal neighbor.

Shock waves spread to Washington after The New York Times on Aug. 27 published an article written by Hatoyama, who at the time was leading the DPJ to a general election victory. His article was somewhat critical of so-called American-led market fundamentalism and hinted that Japan should be less reliant on the U.S. and work closer with its Asian neighbors.