There are factions in Japan that are very China-obsessed, and constantly talk about "Kanji civilization" (kanji bunmei) or "Kanji cultural sphere" (kanji bunkaken). But since Koizumi's administration, they've been pushed into the sidelines. It looks like some are trying to assert themselves again.
kanji = Chinese characters, which the Chinese, Japanese and Koreans (to a lesser extent) use. Chinese characters have a very strong pyschological influence on the entire region (like the Latin alphabet in the West or Arabic script in Middle East). Arguably also one of the strongest unifying force within China.
"Chinese characters have a very strong pyschological influence on the entire region (like the Latin alphabet in the West or Arabic script in Middle East). Arguably also one of the strongest unifying force within China."
Well, the communists in the PRC modified many of the characters showing disregard for traditional Chinese culture. It would have been better in my opinion had they just adopted a modified Western alphabet for daily use and left the characters as they were. The Japanese still use the traditional characters.