On June 28, the “Panda Cup” Japanese Youth Delegation, led by Dr. Kazuo Nakamura—Honorary Professor at Kitasato University and Councilor of the Japan Science Society—visited Chengdu University of Technology (CDUT) for a cultural exchange. Lin Chongzhen, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Asia-Pacific Communication Center of China International Communications Group (CICG), accompanied the delegation.
Professor Hou Mingcai, Vice President of CDUT, delivered a warm welcome on behalf of the university. He emphasized that this exchange was not only a dialogue between young people of China and Japan, but also a valuable opportunity for mutual learning between civilizations. He expressed hope that the visit would help lay a solid foundation for long-term friendship between the younger generations of both countries. In response, Dr. Nakamura noted that the visit aimed to break down barriers of perception through firsthand experiences and to promote meaningful interactions among youth from both nations.
Hou Mingcai presents a gift to Kazuo Nakamura
Following the welcome ceremony, the delegation—accompanied by faculty and students from the Japanese Department of the College of Foreign Languages and Cultures and the Department of International Exchanges & Cooperation—toured the Chengdu Natural History Museum (Chengdu University of Technology Museum). The students were impressed by the museum’s exhibits, especially the dinosaur gallery, where many couldn’t help but give enthusiastic thumbs-ups.
Chinese and Japanese youth pose for a group photo in the Dinosaur Gallery
After the tour, a themed exchange session was held in the lecture hall. Young participants from both countries engaged in lively discussions on a variety of topics, from personal hobbies to cultural differences. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and warm conversation. “At first, I was worried that our language differences would prevent us from becoming friends,” said Japanese delegate Kamohara Shiori. “But during our chats, I realized we actually share many common interests.” Several Chinese students from the Japanese Department also mentioned that they had made their first Japanese friends through the event, describing it as a meaningful experience that went beyond language practice to become a true cross-cultural exchange. At the end of the event, the young participants exchanged contact information, forging new friendships across borders.
Exchange event site
Group photo
This visit was part of the broader “Panda Cup” Japanese Youth Essay Contest series, jointly organized by the Asia-Pacific Communication Center of CICG, the Chinese Embassy in Japan, and the Japan Science Society. The initiative aims to foster deeper understanding of China among young people across various sectors in Japan and enhance mutual understanding between Chinese and Japanese youth..
