Despite its brevity, my experience in Japan was really thought-provoking. At the same time, it awakened me to the problems in bilateral relations such as Japan's evaluation of its wartime history. But I am confident that our two nations can resolve the problems by strengthening mutual exchanges and bringing into full play the talents of the young people. As I familiarized myself with Chuo University, where I did my studies, and some Japan-China friendship organizations in Japan, I came to realize the importance of communication, which I think will enable us to dispel misunderstanding, draw on each other's strong points and achieve win-win results.

I am a civil servant with the Japanese Coast Guard, sent to study in China by the Japanese Government. Given the frequent exchanges between Japan and China these days, Japan's Coast Guard has a number of cooperative programs with China's Ministry of Public Security and Ministry of Communications, so we need staff members who have good Chinese skills and know China well. That's why the Japanese Government sends some of its employees to study in China every year. After completing their studies, they will return to Japan and work with China.

I think Premier Wen's coming trip is of great importance to bilateral relations. It will be another visit paid by a Chinese premier to Japan after a seven-year break. It indicates that the Japan-China relationship is developing in the right direction. As the two countries improve their political ties, I believe our cooperation on various fronts will make great strides.

Shoji Hanamura

Today, more and more Japanese students want to study in China. With a keen interest in Romance of the Three Kingdoms, some have come to study classical Chinese literature. Some who started to practice calligraphy in their childhood have come to study Chinese calligraphy. Some are martial arts fans who have come to study Chinese kungfu. Others, like me, have come to learn the Chinese language in the spirit of promoting Japan-China exchanges.

Before I came, I worked in the food trade between Japan and China. I will continue to work in the trade sector in Beijing after I finish my studies. The Chinese culture and lifestyle are highly attractive to the Japanese. Although the Chinese currency has appreciated, the cost of living in China is not high.

The rifts in Japan-China relations were exposed in the recent past. However, since Prime Minister Abe visited China in October last year, bilateral relations have been improving. Premier Wen's visit to Japan this April is a much-anticipated event in both Japan and China. I think high-level visits between the two countries will promote their economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. As they expand their cooperation in business, culture and science and technology, more and more Japanese will come to study and work in China.