Japan could have some bargaining power to secure the release of an ISIS hostage in Syria.

Militants are demanding the release of a convicted terrorist in Jordan in exchange for the return of a Japanese journalist.

Auckland University's Corey Wallace told Newstalk ZB's Jack Tame Japan is on good terms with Jordan.

"They've actually committed quite a lot of humanitarian aid for refugees, which is a big issue in Jordan as well as some infrastructure aid."

The militants beheaded another Japanese national after Japan failed to pay a $200 million ransom.