Over to Japan for a bit of what might be called Marathon Diplomacy, as China's Wisdom Sports Group has signed a groundbreaking deal to help promote and manage a series of long distance races in the city of Shizuoka.

This agreement is expected to mark the beginning of a series of cooperative sports efforts between entries from the two Asian countries.

The Wisdom Sports Group will make history when its helps promote and manage this year's Royal Melon Marathon in Shizuoka. And when the Sakura Marathon takes place next spring, the participants will run against a backdrop that includes the impressive Mount Fuji, which organizers guarantee will make for an unforgettable experience.

In addition to marathons, Shizuoka is also a hotbed of international football in Japan, as it hosted matches during the 2002 FIFA World Cup. And Suruga Beach will soon join the World's Most Beautiful Bays Club, as it develops into a leading water sports destination. The city is also set to stage games at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, and hold several events for the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics.

Observers expect this deal to usher in a new era in sports and recreation cooperation between the two Asian powers, and with the sector booming in China in recent years, even more opportunities to work together should be just over the horizon.