A group of Japanese students who participated in an exchange program to China shared their transformative experiences at an event in Tokyo on Tuesday. The program, titled ‘100 Japanese University Students Visiting China,’ provided participants with a unique opportunity to explore China’s cultural heritage, technological advancements, and urban modernization. Koharu Hayakawa, a student from Chuo University, spent a year studying in Tianjin and was particularly struck by China’s ability to balance modernization with the preservation of its cultural identity. During visits to Hongcun and Xidi villages in Anhui province, Hayakawa observed that these popular tourist destinations maintained a strong sense of everyday life, dispelling his earlier assumptions of over-commercialization. He also noted regional differences in lifestyle, cuisine, and technology use, which deepened his appreciation for China’s diversity. The program included trips to Anhui and Henan provinces, where students explored Mount Huangshan, Huizhou culture, and innovative companies like Mixue Ice Cream and Tea. Reiji Nomachi, a student at Nihon University, was impressed by China’s rapid technological advancements, particularly in the electric vehicle sector. He highlighted the affordability, fast-charging capabilities, and longevity of Chinese EVs, noting that China’s adoption of this technology far surpasses that of Japan. Both Hayakawa and Nomachi emphasized the importance of firsthand experience in understanding China, encouraging others to share their experiences to foster friendly relations between Japan and China. Otohiko Endo, head of the Japan-China New Century Association, stressed the need for fresh and creative perspectives in youth exchanges, urging young people to face differences bravely and turn brief encounters into lasting relationships. Zhao Baogang, minister counselor at the Chinese embassy in Tokyo, underscored the significance of firsthand experience, especially in light of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Despite media speculation about ‘anti-Japanese sentiment,’ students encountered genuine warmth and friendliness from the Chinese people. Sun Ran, editor-in-chief of Live Japan and head of the visiting delegation, announced the establishment of a youth friendship association to provide a long-term platform for continued exchange and mutual understanding.