In a vibrant testament to the power of cultural exchange, ten high school students from Japan's Aichi Prefecture (Aichi-ken) embarked on a journey to the cities of Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Foshan from March 23 to 27. This tour, aimed at fostering international understanding and friendship, allowing the students to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Chinese culture and leaving an indelible mark on their hearts and minds.
The visit, characterized by a warm and hospitable atmosphere, facilitated profound connections between the youths of the two nations. Sato Ibuki expressed her newfound interest in the diverse flavors of tea in Guangdong, noting that "I drank many kinds of tea here. I love them. It was my first time going abroad, and the kindness of my host family made it a fun experience."
It was natural for youths to talk about the study and future when they got together. In Shawan Ancient Town, Sato Ibuki was glad to receive a fan from Guo Siru, a student from Guangdong Experimental High School, which has four Chinese characters "独占鳌头" (taking the first place at the examination) on it. "鳌鱼 (a huge legendary fish)" is a local propitious symbol. She said, "It's interesting to make a wish before an exam. In Japan, we also have a similar tradition."
For Hashimoto Erika, kindness transcended all barriers, "My host family was very kind to me. Nationality and gender didn't matter at all. I'm very impressed." This sentiment of universal hospitality and the breaking down of barriers was a recurring theme throughout the trip.
The students were also impressed by the spectacle of traditional Chinese lion dances, a component that fascinated Kataoka Izumi. She shared insights into the physical demands and cultural significance of the lion dance, marveling at the weight and skill required to perform. "Picking up the lion head, I felt its weight," she reflected, "It's a wonderful traditional culture that requires physical strength and balance."
The art of calligraphy also captivated the students, with Saito Keita delving into the differences between Japanese and Chinese calligraphy. "The Chinese characters are very complicated," he observed, expressing a keen interest in continuing to explore this ancient art form.
Higashi Fuka summarized the experience as eye-opening, noting that the trip broadened her horizons and deepened her appreciation for the diversity of culture. "Chinese calligraphy, food, and music are all different from the Japanese ones, which is very interesting to me," she said.
As they return to Japan, these young "ambassadors" carry with them not just memories but a mission to share their experiences and to promote a deeper understanding of international cultural diversity. Higashi Fuka said, "When returning to Japan, I would like to share this experience with others to help them understand the international cultural diversity and promote mutual understanding."
It was the second time for Aichi-ken to send a youth delegation to Guangdong. Back in 2015, Guangdong and Aichi-ken started youth exchange visits, the two sides have organized mutual visits among high school students. Based on various exchanges, a sister-province relationship between the two has been officially established in 2019.
Reporter | Hannah, Nina, Clarice
Photo & Video | Wingheng, Qin Shaolong
Editor | Nan, Steven, Will, James
