The alliance was far more passive than that of the Allies, both out of choice and geographical realities. The two sides did communicate, and a linkage between the two empires was envisioned through the British controlled territories in the Middle East. In fact, Hiroshi Oshima, the Japanese ambassador to Germany was quite a sensation among the Nazi elite.

The biggest opportunity for cooperation would surely have been a combined attack on the Soviet Union. Hitler always hoped for such a situation, and did all that he could to make it happen, including declaring war on the United States with the expectation of reciprocation. However, the Japanese, possibly even more arrogant than the Nazis, chose a southward strategy and avoided war with the Soviets until they were attacked in '45.

The two nations were able to engage in limited trade before the invasion of the USSR via the Trans-Siberian Railway. After that route was cut off, there was very little practicable exchange or coordination between the two.