Co-hosted by the BPAFFC and the Tokyo Japan-China Friendship Association (TJCFA), a 50-member youth delegation from Tokyo visited Beijing from May 12 to 16, 2025. Filled with curiosity and longing for China, these young representatives from universities in Tokyo embarked on a deep cultural journey.

The five-day journey features a rich and diverse itinerary, allowing the delegation members to experience firsthand traditional Chinese culture, the achievements of rural vitalization, and the power of technological innovation. From cultural exchanges at Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) to the rural life in Liuzhuanghu Village to technological innovation exploration at high-tech enterprises, these diverse arrangements deepened mutual understanding and friendship between Chinese and Japanese youths.

Diverse experiences, in-depth exchanges

The delegation’s visit started with BLCU. Chinese and Japanese youths engaged in a lively discussion on popular topics such as AI applications, manga, and ACGN (Animation, Comics, Games, Novels) culture. Discussions ranging from academic exchanges to heartfelt conversations bridged the gap between the two sides. One big highlight was the Chinese language experience class. At the class, Japanese student Kasuya Seion noticed the similarities between Chinese and Japanese languages, particularly in vocabulary and sentence structure, getting a deeper understanding of China and Chinese culture. At BLCU, Chida Kentaro, a Japanese student who visited China with the Tokyo youth delegation in 2023, shared his experiences. He developed the idea of studying in Beijing at the time and is currently studying at BLCU. He stated that during his stay in Beijing, he has gained solid expertise, made many Chinese friends, and enjoyed learning and interacting with students from all over the world.

Shunyi District and Huairou District offer stunning views in early summer. The delegation visited Liuzhuanghu Village in Shunyi District and the Mutianyu Great Wall in Huairou District, where they witnessed the achievements of rural vitalization and appreciated the charm of traditional Chinese culture. The members strolled through Liuzhuanghu Village, experiencing the beauty of rural life. They visited the village history museum, picked fruits and vegetables by hand, and got hands-on with the craft of gourd pyrography, an intangible cultural heritage. In Huairou District, they climbed the Mutianyu Great Wall. Gazing into the distance, they were amazed at the majestic scenery and gained a profound appreciation of China’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Scientific and technological innovation has permeated all aspects of the city. In JD.com’s “Asia No. 1” smart logistics park, the automated parcel sorting system held the members in awe. They also learned about the e-commerce giant’s sustainable practices in green warehousing, green transportation, green packaging, and other areas. In the Beijing High-Level Autonomous Driving Demonstration Zone, they took self-driving vehicles for a test ride, experiencing firsthand the transformation in mobility brought about by cutting-edge technology. Additionally, the smart library management system and metaverse experience zone in Beijing Library (BMC) immersed the members in the unique charm of technology and culture integration.

Carrying forward friendship through mutual learning

China and Japan are neighbors facing each other across the sea and have a history of interactions. Youth exchange events provide opportunities for face-to-face communication between young people from both countries, enabling them to gain accurate insights into each other’s country. By participating in cultural activities and discussing social issues, the youths can make friends and enhance their bond of friendship, which cements popular support for the stable development of bilateral relations.

Cultural differences pose challenges in China-Japan exchanges, yet this is also why people gravitate to the other country and learn from each other. During this event, Chinese and Japanese youths showcased their characteristics of their diverse cultures. They shared views on the applications of ChatGPT and DeepSeek, manga, and ACGN culture, attended a Chinese language experience class, and participated in intangible cultural heritage experience activities. Both sides gained a deep understanding of each other’s cultural connotations, values, and ways of thinking. Mutual learning between civilizations broadened the horizon of young people and enhanced mutual respect and appreciation, fostering a good cultural climate for cooperation.

Youth exchanges are an essential part of friendly exchanges between the two countries and an important force in promoting the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations. The young delegation members will serve as ambassadors of friendship. They unanimously expressed their intention to share their experiences and disseminate the concept of amity after returning to their home country, so as to spark greater interest in and attention to exchanges between the two nations.

Building friendship bridges towards a shared future

At the end of the journey, Osamu Nakano, head of the delegation, made heartfelt and eloquent remarks, “In this brief yet fulfilling period, we have experienced a wide variety of activities, from cultural exchanges at BLCU to immersive experiences of rural vitalization to technological innovation exploration. These experiences allow us to gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of China.” Inoue stated that through exchanges and mutual learning, Japanese youth made friends with Chinese youth and developed a more well-rounded understanding of China. This bond of friendship will serve as a bridge promoting exchanges between the youths of both countries and advancing sustained development of bilateral relations.

Over the years, the BPAFFC and the TJCFA have maintained close cooperation. They have been devoted to people-to-people friendship and exchanges between Beijing and Tokyo, and carried out a variety of exchange events in various areas such as culture, education, sports, and youth, building bridges connecting the people and enhancing mutual understanding and friendship.

Although the delegation’s visit has wrapped up, the communication and friendship between Chinese and Japanese youths will keep going on like endless streams. The two sides will continue to expand the areas of cooperation, explore new forms of communication, and provide more opportunities for face-to-face communication between Chinese and Japanese youths, thus injecting new vitality into the longstanding friendship between China and Japan.