If a few days ago you had to place bets on the trigger of World War 3, a screwball comedy starring Seth Rogan and James Franco would probably not have been near the top of your list.

But the leaders of Japan have now waded into the furore, condemning the hacking of Sony Pictures supposedly in retaliation to The Interview’s plot, which involves the attempted assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Although North Korea continue to deny their involvement with the hack, Japan remains understandably cautious with high political tensions in the region.