German Chancellor Angela Merkel has sat down for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo.
The two have discussed a range of issues including Ukraine, an EU-Japan free trade pact and anti-terror cooperation.
Both leaders have issued a call for Russia to help bring about a peaceful solution to the conflict in Ukraine.
At the same time, Abe says now is not the time for Russia to rejoin Japan, Germany and the five other countries which currently make up the so-called G7 to re-establish the G8.
Japan is poised to take over the G7 presidency from Germany next year.
"Regarding Russia's return to G8, I don't think there will be any meaningful discussions to be held at G8 summits with Russia due to the ongoing situation in Ukraine. I believe Russia also understands this."
Meanwhile, Angela Merkel has delivered a public lecture in Japan, talking about wartime forgiveness ahead of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two.
