A cultural exchange event on Chinese and Japanese traditional music took place simultaneously in Beijing and Tokyo on May 24. The event was co-sponsored by the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (CSCLF) and the Japan-China Friendship Center, with organization assistance from China Central University for Nationalities. Over 40 students from more than 14 universities, including China Central University for Nationalities, Nihon University, and the National University of Japan, actively engaged in the event, fostering meaningful online interactions.

A digital snapshot of Chinese and Japanese youth gathered together online.

Fang Xinwen, deputy director of the International Cooperation and Exchange Department of the CSCLF, said in his video speech that the CSCLF and Japan-China Friendship Center have been longstanding partners in promoting Sino-Japanese friendship. He noted that despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 in the past two years, the successful organization of seven events has brought together over 300 youths from more than 50 universities and institutions. He explained that these events, which comprised lectures, dialogues, and social practices, had facilitated in-depth exchanges. With the 45th anniversary of the Sino-Japanese Treaty of Peace and Friendship approaching, Fang emphasized the importance of recognizing the youth as the driving force behind the friendship between the two nations. He expressed a sincere hope for collaboration, mutual learning, and deepening mutual understanding between the youth of China and Japan, contributing to the future of Sino-Japanese relations.

Fang Xinwen, deputy director of the International Cooperation and Exchange Department of the CSCLF, delivers a video speech.

Masashi Ogawa, president of the Japan-China Friendship Center, said the center has been serving as a vital platform for non-governmental exchanges, youth interactions, and cultural promotion. Masafumi acknowledged the rich histories and remarkable traditional music legacies of both Japan and China. He specifically highlighted the unique forms of music contributed by Chinese ethnic minorities. He expressed his belief that through these cultural exchanges, the youth of both nations will develop a deeper understanding of each other's traditions and collaborate to preserve their cultural heritages.

Masashi Ogawa, president of the Japan-China Friendship Center, gave a speech

During the lecture session, Chu Gaowa, an associate professor at the China Central University for Nationalities, and Key Saito, a lecturer at the Research Institute for Japanese Traditional Music of Kyoto City University of Arts, shared their insights and expertise on the preservation and innovation of traditional music in both countries.

Chu Gaowa, an associate professor at the China Central University for Nationalities, presents a lecture.

Key Saito, a lecturer at the Research Institute for Japanese Traditional Music of Kyoto City University of Arts, delivers a presentation.

In the live performance session, students from Central University for Nationalities, played guzheng and instrumental ensemble that deliver the essence of Chinese musical traditions. Students from Tenri University played gagaku. Audience from both sides were captivated by the diverse range of sounds, styles and rhythmic patterns associated with different musical traditions. At the request of the Japanese students, Kazakh students demonstrated their unique instrument "dombra", share their knowledge about the instruments' playing techniques and cultural significance.

The students expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to be treated to a refreshing experience that showcased and celebrated the diverse musical traditions and rich heritage of both Chinese and Japanese cultures. They look forward to participating in more activities and events that promote cross-cultural understanding, appreciation, and awareness.

Students of the School of Music of China Central University for Nationalities perform Chinese traditional music.

Students from Tenri University give a demonstration.

Students of the School of Music of China Central University for Nationalities play dombra.

　　Chinese youth visit the China Soong Ching Ling Science & Culture Center for Young People (CSCLSCCYP) for research purposes.Chinese youth visit the China Soong Ching Ling Science & Culture Center for Young People (CSCLSCCYP) for research purposes.

Background information: 

This year commemorates the 45th anniversary of the "Sino-Japanese Treaty of Peace and Friendship." To celebrate this milestone, the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation and the Japan-China Friendship Center have collaboratively organized a series of three cultural exchange activities aimed at engaging the youth from both nations. The first two, held in February and March, explored the themes of "Children's Emotional Education" and "Manga & Anime". 

(Source: International Cooperation and Exchange Department of the CSCLF)