In recent years, relations between China and Japan have turned sour as a result of nagging issues from as far back as the Second World War, on to the rising tensions over overlapping territorial claims in the East China Sea.

Despite the diplomatic spats and occasional threats of armed confrontation, relations between the two on non-critical issues continue to grow and expand.

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This Monday, Chinese philosopher Confucius gets a bigger recognition in the land of samurais.

A bronze statue of Confucius from the 'Spring and Autumn' period in Chinese history was unveiled at a Chinese language school in the city of Osaka.

The 1.8 meter tall memorial statue of Confucius is a joint project of the Shanghai-based International Studies University and the Sangyo University of Osaka to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the opening of a Chinese language school.

The vice president of Shanghai International Studies University, Zhang Feng  said that Japan also shared the lessons imparted by Confucius in the last 1,500 years. Much of Confucian writing and philosophy are embedded in Japanese culture.  

Feng added that he is hopeful that the statue will serve as reminder for the need for a greater and better understanding of the two nations in promoting their cultural ties.

On the part of the Sangyo University, its president, Junichiro Sejima pledged that the statue will be used as a symbol for local students in learning the Chinese language.

Junichiro also cited that the Chinese wisdom shared by Confucius is deeply influential on the people of Japan, as far back as the 5th century.