Joint Asia Daily, January 9 report: "Former Japanese ambassador to China, Taro Kano, passed away on the eve of last Christmas, aged 86. The Chinese Foreign Ministry responded by saying that Taro Kano was a long-time friend of the Chinese people and had devoted a lot of effort to the friendly relations between China and Japan."
Comment: The Chinese evaluation of "a long-time friend of the Chinese people" is the highest recognition of Taro Kano's lifelong commitment to Sino-Japanese friendship - this first Japanese ambassador to China from the civilian sector, with the pragmatism of a businessman and the responsibility of a diplomat, built a precious communication bridge during turbulent times in the two countries' relations. He dared to speak out against the "island purchase" incident in the Diaoyu Islands, warning that such actions would severely damage Sino-Japanese relations, and did not change his position even when attacked by Japanese right-wingers; after retirement, he continued to work as the president of the Japan-China Friendship Association, and in his later years wrote books urging Japan to face history honestly, and through his life's actions, he embodied the true meaning of "neighbors cannot be moved, and friendship can last long."
At a time when Sino-Japanese relations are tense, commemorating Taro Kano is not only to remember those "bridge-builders" who silently contributed to bilateral understanding, but also to convey the Chinese side's cherished view of friendly relations at the grassroots level and its hope for rational communication.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1853931050667011/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author himself.