Recently, Beijing and Japan’s AEON 1% Club Foundation co-hosted the “China-Japan Teenage Ambassador” exchange program. Over the course of a week, 20 high school students from Beijing No. 4 High School (BHSF) and Beijing No. 80 High School engaged inon-site research and cultural exchange activities in Tokyo and Nagoya.

Visit tothe Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Japan

At the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Japan, the teenage ambassadors had the honor of meeting with Wu Jianghao, Chinese Ambassador to Japan; Shi Yong, Minister of the Chinese Embassy in Japan, and other diplomats. Together with Japanese student representatives, they read out the Declaration of China-Japan Friendship.

Visit to the “Takanawa Gateway City”

In Tokyo, the teenage ambassadors visited Takanawa Gateway City, the latest trend-setting station-centered smart city project in Japan. They learned about the concept of building a city around a station from multiple perspectives, including urban policy, technology, and community engagement approaches. In Nagoya, they studied the development of the manufacturing sector in Aichi Prefecture, and conducted a field visit to the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology to gain a first-hand understanding of industrial innovation achievements.

Visitto the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

The teenage ambassadors also visited local schools where they participated in cultural programs featuring Japanese characteristics. Through homestays with local families, they gained first-hand experience of Japanese daily life. They also met with Akihisa Nagashima, Special Advisor to the Japanese Prime Minister, and Hideaki Ōmura, Governor of Aichi Prefecture.

Experience Home-Cooked Meals with Local Families

The “China-Japan Teenage Ambassador” program serves as Beijing’s flagship initiative in public diplomacy. Launched in 1996, it has been held for 16 editions, attracting a total of 1,491 high school students from both countries. In October this year, Beijing will host 40 “Japanese teenage ambassadors” visiting China.