From Nov 19 to 28, the China-Japan Youth Study Camp, co-hosted by the All-China Youth Federation (ACYF) and the Cabinet Office of Japan, and organized by the China International Youth Exchange Center, took place successively in both China and Japan in a joint visit. The event saw the participation of 20 representatives from each country.

The study camp featured China-Japan Youth Dialogues in both countries, focusing on such topics as green development, low birth rate decline and aging population, and rural vitalization. Participants visited relevant government departments and institutions, listened to presentations by government officials and experts, engaged in in-depth discussions, and participate in a variety of cultural exchange activities.

The study camp concluded with the China-Japan Cultural Exchange Activity and the closing ceremony of the International Youth Pop Culture Season in Beijing, marking the end of the 10-day exchange program.

During the Japan phase of the event, Kawashima Shin, a professor at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, delivered a keynote speech on the present and future of China-Japan relations.

While in China, Song Jian, a professor at the Population Development Studies Center, Renmin University of China, and Qu Qiang, Deputy Dean at the School of Journalism and Communication, Minzu University of China, gave lectures on China's high-quality population development strategy and the country's new pattern of integrated urban and rural development, respectively.

Youth representatives engaged in group discussions on green development, low birth rate decline and aging population, and rural vitalization. Through mutual understanding of the challenges faced by each country and their own solutions, the youth representatives further deepened their knowledge and understanding.

The China-Japan Youth Dialogue is held in Beijing.

Youth representatives engage in group discussions in Tokyo.

Youth representatives engage in group discussions in Beijing.

Youth representatives engage in group discussions in Zhangjiakou, North China's Hebei province.

Youth representatives share insights during group discussions.

Youth representatives summarize the discussions.  

During their stay in Japan, the participants of the study camp  visited the country's government departments, including the Global Environment Bureau of the Ministry of the Environment, the Children and Families Agency, the Ibaraki Prefectural Government Office, and the Government of Tsukuba City, where they learned about Japan's policies on promoting de-carbonized lifestyles, encouraging marriage and childbirth, attracting global talents, and utilizing technological innovation for better urban development.                                                                                                                                                                                                While in China, they visited the ACYF, the health and wellness facilities of the Winter Olympic Village in Zhangjiakou City, North China's Hebei Province; Desheng Village-a demonstration village for rural vitalization, and the Zhangbei National Wind and Solar Energy Storage and Transmission Demonstration Project. They gained insight into China's efforts in promoting integrated urban and rural development, advancing a green-oriented transition of energy, and achieving its dual carbon goals.

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Yufu Wakako, Director General for International Youth Exchange in the Japanese Cabinet Office, meets with the Chinese youth representatives.

Oigawa Kazuhiko, Ibaraki Governor, meets with the youth representatives.

Dong Xia, Deputy Secretary-General of the All-China Youth Federation, meets with the youth representatives.

Li Changqing, Vice Chairman of Zhangjiakou Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with the youth representatives.

Youth representatives visit Japan's Ministry of the Environment to learn about Japan's nationwide campaign on promoting a decarbonized lifestyle.

Youth representatives visit Japan's Children and Families Agency to learn about Japan's policies on encouraging childbirth.

Youth representatives visit a nursing robot R&D and production company in Tsukuba city, Japan.

Youth representatives visit the Winter Olympic Village in Chongli of Zhangjiakou, North China's Hebei province.

Youth representatives visit Desheng Village, a demonstration village for rural urbanization in Zhangbei County, North China's Hebei Province.

Youth representatives visit the National Wind and Solar Storage and Transmission Demonstration Base in Zhangbei County, North China's Hebei Province.

Beyond dialogues and site visits, the study tour fostered cultural exchanges through various activities. Youth representatives enjoyed Tokyo's captivating night scenery, strolled through Beijing's historic hutongs, explored museums, and experienced the unique customs and traditions of both countries.

In China, the study tour also featured collaborative themed comic creation, Chinese culinary experiences, and intangible cultural heritage paper-cutting workshops. The closing ceremony, held in conjunction with the International Youth Pop Culture Season, featured a fashion show, dance and folk music performances, and a Chinese calligraphy experience, showcasing the charm of both cultures and the enduring bond between the two nations.

The camp also featured a variety of cultural exchange activities. Youth representatives experienced the charm of Tokyo's nightscape, strolled through Beijing's hutongs, explored museums, and experienced the unique customs and traditions of both countries. In China, they participated in themed comic co-creation, Chinese cuisine tasting, and paper-cutting workshops. At the China-Japan Cultural Exchange Activity and the closing ceremony of the International Youth Pop Culture Season, Chinese and Japanese youth showcased the charm of their cultures through fashion shows, dance performances, folk music and calligraphy, further enhancing the bond between the two countries.

Youth representatives pose for a group photo in Tokyo.

Youth representatives visit the Shijia Hutong Museum.

Youth representatives taste traditional Chinese cuisine.

Youth representatives experience intangible cultural heritage paper-cutting.

The China-Japan Youth Cultural Exchange Activity and the closing ceremony of the China-Japan Study Camp is held in Beijing.

Chinese and Japanese Youth engage in clothing exchanges.

Youth representatives showcase their calligraphy works.

Youth representatives from both countries agreed that the study camp has fostered deep friendships and enhanced their understanding of each other's countries and the essence of China-Japan cooperation.

Shuto Hatsuna, a student from Tokyo University, sharing her first experience of China, was impressed by the warmth and hospitality of the Chinese people and the remarkable social development of the country. She expressed her willingness to continue learning from her Chinese peers to work together towards a brighter future.

Shimoi Chiyo, a student of Sophia University, was impressed by the vast photovoltaic arrays of the Zhangbei Wind and Solar Storage and Transmission Project. The project showcased China's achievements in new energy development and its commitment to addressing climate change. Having celebrated her birthday during the tour in China, she plans to share her experiences upon returning home, and actively engage with the Chinese people.

Niu Zhengyang, a student from the University of International Business and Economics, expressed hope that Chinese and Japanese youth, will continue to work together, growing in unity and contributing their energy to building a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship suited to the needs of the new era.

The China-Japan Youth Study Tour represents an innovative approach to the longstanding China-Japan Youth Friendship Exchange Program. The program was jointly initiated by the ACYF and the Cabinet Office of Japan since 1979, to commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between China and Japan. For 46 years, this program has consistently fostered a new generation of individuals dedicated to promoting friendship and understanding between the two nations.