The earliest form of football that history can uncover was known as 'cuju', a game played in ancient China so long ago its first season ends in BC.
That makes the beautiful game about as old as the storied history between China and Japan.
And so the on-park rivalry between these two giants of the Sinosphere is a pretty big deal — and a massive opportunity for Kyogo Furuhashi to truly announce himself in Samurai Blue after his goal glut in green and white for Celtic.
Ahead of the clash he told Japanese press: "After playing in Europe, my style of play has become more threatening and I hope to contribute more goals for the country."
The two nations are the most populous pair remaining in the second stage of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualification process.
For much of recent history Japan have had the upper hand but it might surprise a casual observer to hear that the all-time record makes this a rather even fixture.
The official record reads 15 wins each and eight draws but given Japan's last defeat came all the way back in 1998 it's clear who retains the upper hand at present.
It's the perfect chance for Ange Postecoglou's new superstar to catch fire on the international stage.
He was benched against Oman in a shock 1-0 defeat but manager Hajime Moriyasu sent for him at half-time and this time he could be given the nod from the get-go.
Furuhashi has three goals in seven appearances for Japan with a double on his competitive debut against Mongolia and a follow-up strike against Tajikistan.
But bagging against China in World Cup 2022 qualifying would trump those strikes by a mile.
The huge clash kicks off at 4pm UK time.
