Pacifist Japan must sharpen its diplomatic act after hostage tragedies, critics warn

Japan's failure to rescue two hostages beheaded by Islamic State militants has raised doubts about its ability to handle international crises, as the country reels from news of journalist Kenji Goto's killing over the weekend.

Analysts say the murders mark a "wake-up call" for Japan - an officially pacifist country that has long avoided involvement in Middle East conflicts - and that its response to the crisis, at times flat-footed, reveals the weakness of its diplomatic resources in the region.

"The government lacked information and that made it difficult for them to handle the situation," said Takashi Kawakami, a security expert and professor at Takushoku University.

"It's a wake-up call. After this experience, they have to boost intelligence operations at home and overseas."

The Islamic State group claimed in a video released on Saturday that it had killed respected war correspondent Goto - the second purported beheading of a Japanese hostage in a week after the death of his friend Haruna Yukawa.

As the crisis unfolded, Tokyo's relative lack of contacts and know-how in the region became apparent. Japan seemed almost solely dependent on key ally Jordan - which was itself trying to free an air force pilot, Muath al-Kasaesbeh, who crashed in IS-held territory in late December.