From August 25 to 28, 2025, the "3rd Fujian-Japan Sister Cities Youth Tour of Fujian" brought together 30 Japanese university students and 10 Chinese students for a four-day cultural exchange program across Fujian Province. Organized by the Foreign Affairs Office of Fujian Province and led by Yosuke Oshiro from Okinawa’s Department of Culture, Tourism, and Sports, the delegation visited Fuzhou and Nanping to explore the historical and cultural ties between Fujian and Okinawa, which date back more than 600 years.
Fuzhou: Tracing Shared Historical Roots
The tour began in Fuzhou with visits to sites significant to Fujian-Okinawa relations. At the Ryukyu Cemetery—the resting place of Ryukyu natives from the Ming and Qing dynasties—participants learned about centuries of cross-cultural exchange and watched a traditional dance performance by students from Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts.
The group also took part in an icebreaker session and a lacquer fan-making workshop at the Fujian-Okinawa Friendship Hall, where students from both sides quickly built rapport while engaging with this traditional craft.
A visit to the Nangong River Estuary Historical and Cultural Block offered a glimpse into Fuzhou’s role as a hub for international tributary missions, particularly from Ryukyu. Students explored Wanshou Bridge, Tianhou Palace, and the Ryukyu Garden, observing how architectural and cultural elements from
both regions have long intertwined.
The day concluded with a walk through the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys historical district and a visit to the Changle Meihua China-Ryukyu Cultural Museum, where exhibitions highlighted five centuries of cultural and diplomatic exchange between China and Ryukyu.
Nanping: Experiencing Tea and Ceramic Traditions
In Nanping, the focus shifted to Fujian’s renowned tea and ceramic heritage. At the Jianyao Ceramics Research Institute, students learned about the history and craftsmanship of Jianzhan black-glazed porcelain, a celebrated style from the Song Dynasty. Japanese students showed keen interest in the Yohen Tenmoku glaze and joined actively in discussions.
A scenic bamboo raft ride along Wuyi Mountain’s Nine Bend River allowed the group to appreciate the region’s natural beauty. Chinese students provided Japanese interpretation for the local boatman’s commentary, while Japanese students responded in Chinese, creating a lively and collaborative multilingual exchange.
The tour also included visits to the Yanzike Sancha Integration Center and Wuyi Star Tea Co., Ltd., where participants gained insight into the history and production of Wuyi tea. A joint tea-tasting session featured both Chinese tea ceremony and Japanese tea practices, highlighting cultural similarities and differences while fostering mutual appreciation.
Building People-to-People Connections
Since Fujian and Okinawa established sister relations in 1997, exchanges in culture, education, and youth engagement have continued to flourish. This year’s program—centered on the theme of joint exploration and shared heritage—provided a meaningful platform for young Chinese and Japanese participants to strengthen interpersonal connections and deepen their understanding of a common cultural past.
Youth Powering the Future of China-Japan Relations
President Xi has emphasized that young people hold the future not only of China, but of the world. The mutual understanding and trust built between Chinese youth and their international peers lay a vital foundation for lasting peace and shared prosperity.
In this new era, international youth exchanges must continue to advance with purpose and vision. The younger generation is called to contribute its energy and insight to major-country diplomacy with distinctive Chinese features.
Although this particular study tour lasted only four days, its impact is lasting. By exploring Fuzhou’s historical sites and experiencing Wuyi Mountain’s tea culture, the participants gained a deeper appreciation of the long-standing cultural ties between Fujian and Okinawa. They also strengthened their resolve to enhance mutual learning and friendship between Chinese and Japanese youth.
Through concrete actions, these young ambassadors are helping to shape a brighter future for China-Japan relations—planting the seeds of friendship today that will grow into a flourishing forest across the lands of Fujian and Ryukyu for generations to come.