From September 21, 2025 to September 27, 2025, a delegation of 55 young Japanese educators visited Beijing, Hunan, and Shanghai as well as other provinces and cities at the invitation of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC). The delegation was composed of young teachers from primary and secondary schools across 24 prefectures in Japan.
(Farewell meeting group photo)
During their visit, the delegation toured Beijing Yue Tan Middle School, Leifeng Xincheng Experimental Primary School in Changsha High-Tech Zone, and Bocai Experimental Middle School Attached to Hunan Normal University. They observed classroom teaching, listened to frontline educators' presentations, and gained firsthand insights into China's vibrant practices in applying technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data analytics to basic education. The delegation also attended the Symposium of Chinese and Japanese Educators, where they engaged in in-depth discussions with 29 young teachers from various districts of Beijing on topics of shared concern, including educational philosophy, teaching methods, and students' mental health. Additionally, they visited the China Soong Ching Ling Science and Culture Center for Young People and the Changsha Children's Palace, where they experienced the dynamic development of youth quality education in China's new era. The delegation also visited Kaihui Town in Changsha County to observe China's latest achievements in poverty alleviation and rural revitalization. They toured the Juyongguan Great Wall, Yuelu Academy, Tianxin Pavilion, and the Changsha Bamboo Slips Museum, immersing themselves in China's long history and rich traditional culture.
On September 23, 2025, the CPAFFC hosted a welcome banquet in Beijing for the delegation. Vice President Yuan Mindao attended the event and delivered remarks. He noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, offering a significant moment for reflecting on history and shaping the future. He emphasized that "To remember history is not to perpetuate hatred, but to cherish peace and build a better future." Vice President Yuan highlighted that the foundation of China-Japan friendship lies in the people, and the future of friendly relations between the two countries depends on the younger generation. He expressed hope that the delegation would learn from and with their Chinese counterparts, build lasting friendships, and nurture more young students dedicated to the cause of China-Japan friendship in the new era, contributing to the healthy and steady development of bilateral relations and enhancing the well-being of two peoples.
Professor Makino Atsushi, head of the delegation and professor at Taisho University, fondly recalled his study experience in China four decades ago. He expressed his deep appreciation for the significance and mission of the visit, stating his hope that the delegation would gain a comprehensive understanding of China's education system and society, and apply the insights from the trip to their teaching practices. He added that the delegation would contribute to strengthening educational exchanges and promoting friendship between Japan and China.
(Top left: Symposium of Chinese and Japanese Educators; Top right: Tie-dyeing experience; Bottom left: Field visit to rural revitalization projects in Kaihui Town, Changsha County; Bottom right: Classroom observation)
Delegation members shared that the visit had broadened their horizons and deepened their understanding of China's rich culture, advanced educational philosophies, and modern learning environment, as well as the country's significant achievements in economic and social development. They also built mutual understanding with their Chinese counterparts and gained valuable life experiences. They expressed their intention to collaborate with Chinese educators to cultivate more young students dedicated to fostering China-Japan friendship and to "sow the seeds of friendship between the two countries together."
Wang Liwen, Executive Vice President of the Hunan Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Zhang Xiaoping, Deputy Director General of the Department of East Asian Affairs of the CPAFFC, and Sonoda Yo, Minister from the Embassy of Japan in China, attended relevant events.
