On the afternoon of 27 February 2024, Mr. Masato Usui, Minister of the Embassy of Japan in China, Ms. Ayako Yusaku, Counsellor of the Embassy, and Ms. Guo Chunling, a graduate of the Department of Japanese Language, class of 1990, visited Nankai University and attended the symposium.
At the symposium, Professor Han Lihong, the Director of the Department of Japanese, welcomed the Minister, Counsellor, and Alumna on behalf of the faculty and students of the department. She expressed her anticipation for enhanced collaboration between the two sides.
Associate Professor Wang Kai, Associate Dean of the College of Foreign Languages, introduced the history of the College of Foreign Languages, the Japanese major, and the professional training system. He emphasized the important role played by the Japanese Language Department in Sino-Japanese exchanges and communication.
Minister Usui expressed his gratitude to the Japanese Department for its hospitality. He explored the topic of "The Importance of Foreign Language Learning in the Era of AI Automatic Translation" by examining the commonalities and differences between Chinese and Japanese contexts and cultures through the practice of Japanese-Chinese translation on the WeChat platform. He also engaged in discussions and exchanged views with the participating teachers and students on economic cooperation, educational exchanges, and the beauty of language and literature between China and Japan.
Professor Wang Xinxin, Deputy Head of the Department of Japanese, emphasized the significance of language exchange and expressed hope that the Minister’s visit could enhance exchanges and cooperation between the two sides.
After the symposium, Que Mengping, a member of the Class of 2020, representing the Japanese Department, presented the guests with a souvenir gift designed by her.
This exchange activity not only enhanced the international communication skills of the participating students in Japanese but also further stimulated their enthusiasm for learning. Students expressed their commitment to consolidating their language skills, enhancing their cultural understanding, and making continuous efforts to contribute to the youthful energy of bridging the new generation of Sino-Japanese exchanges.
Before the symposium, Minister Usui and his entourage visited the Nankai Campus. They learned in detail about the rich cultural heritage and patriotic tradition of Nankai University, interacted with the freshmen students of the Department of Japanese Language in the classroom, and shared their own experiences of language learning.
Representatives of Chinese and foreign teachers and students from the Department of Japanese Language, along with some representatives of current Japanese students, attended the event.
