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.
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