Abstract. The publication presents major points of the discussion held by Russian and Japanese experts at the joint symposium organized by IMEMO and Tokyo-based Council on National Security Problems (ANPOKEN) in March, 2013. More than 30 specialists from the two sides exchanged views on security and business relations between Russia and Japan against the background of the present situation in Northeast Asia.  The discussion covered major issues of domestic and foreign policy of the two countries as well as problems and prospects of their economies in the context of the growing role of external factors. The participants discussed reaction of political and business elites in Russia and Japan to external and domestic challenges as well as their perception of political, economic and economic situation in Northeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region.