The international maritime body has recommended a solution to a perpetual spat between Korea and Japan that has incensed patriots and filled column inches on both sides without being of much interest to anyone else.

The International Hydrographic Organization called on Japan to consider referring to the body of water between the two countries as both the "East Sea" and the "Sea of Japan," the Yomiuri Shimbun reported Friday.

Japan insist that "Sea of Japan" is the only name recognized by the IHO, and Korea has expended a lot of effort to change the guideline and adopt "East Sea."

The daily reported the IHO hopes that the two neighboring countries can finally agree on the use of both names ahead of the general assembly in 2020.