Answer:
One point which would bring them together is the low level of individualism for Western standards. My personal observation is that individualism rules in Southern or Western Europe, but less so when you move to the North or the East. The selfless dedication to a superior national cause and the sense of sacrifice was illustrated in parallel ways when you consider how the Russians and the Japanese have been fighting during WW2.
Culturally wise, there has been some interesting crossovers, which may sound anecdotic today, but have existed.
At the turn of the century, during the so called Russian “silver age”, there was an attempt in Russia to stress its “oriental” characteristics, and it was illustrated by resorting to the artistic fashion of “japonisme”. A genial Russian painter called Ivan Bilibin, illustrator of many Russian folktale books, was a perfect example. But you find the same trend, particularly on librettos for Russian operas.