Relations between Beijing and Tokyo have grown ever more thorny since the demise of pro-China politicians such as former Prime Ministers Noboru Takeshita and Keizo Obuchi.
Several events were held in 2002 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the normalization of bilateral diplomatic ties.
Yet Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has not visited Beijing for a summit with Chinese leaders since fall 2001, primarily because China is angry over his repeated trips to Yasukuni Shrine.