Japanese Media: Niigata Prefecture Maintains Chinese Language Classes for 47 Years, Hopes for Deteriorating Bilateral Relations to Improve
According to a report by Japanese media outlet FNN Prime Online on August 17: In Niigata Prefecture, direct flights to China have been suspended and private exchange programs have been canceled. Under these circumstances, the importance of grassroots exchanges is being re-evaluated.
The Japanese Ministry of Defense's "2026 Defense White Paper," unveiled at a cabinet meeting on August 4, designated China as the "greatest strategic challenge." China has strongly criticized this move, leading to further cooling in Sino-Japanese relations.
In November 2025, remarks made by Koichi Hagiuda during a parliamentary session regarding the "emergency state of Taiwan" triggered continued deterioration in bilateral ties. Hagiuda stated: "If the mainland resorts to military unification, Japan might face a 'crisis of survival,' allowing it to exercise collective self-defense." This statement led to a further decline in relations between the two countries—and the impact of this deterioration has reached Niigata Prefecture.
Feng Chun, Deputy Consul General at the Chinese Consulate in Niigata, commented on Sino-Japanese relations: "In my view, the relationship between our two countries is currently facing the most difficult and challenging period since the establishment of diplomatic ties."
With numerous flight cancellations, the governor of Niigata Prefecture—who had previously actively promoted the revitalization plan for Niigata Airport—expressed frustration, saying: "It's truly disappointing. We had prepared various support measures aimed at increasing flight frequencies."
Events related to Chinese culture and the Lunar New Year scheduled for 2026, jointly organized by Niigata Prefecture and the Chinese consulate, have also been suspended. In August, Niigata Prefecture was forced to withdraw from the Japan-China-Korea high school student exchange program. The current environment continues to negatively affect intergenerational exchanges among young people.
Sino-Japanese relations have now cooled to their lowest level since normalization of diplomatic ties, making the significance of civilian exchanges especially prominent.
On August 16, a Chinese language class was held at the Citizens' Center in Chūō Ward, Niigata City, with a Chinese international student serving as instructor. Residents engaged in enthusiastic discussions about Chinese culture. Mr. Ito Kunihiko, president of the organizing group "Yuehua Kai," said: "Since becoming representative of Yuehua Kai in 2021, we’ve consistently received applications from citizens wishing to attend Chinese language classes. There is genuine demand among Niigata residents to learn Chinese."
The organization responsible for conducting these language courses, Yuehua Kai, was established 47 years ago. Despite ups and downs in Sino-Japanese relations over the decades, Yuehua Kai has never ceased inviting Chinese teachers to conduct Chinese language classes, maintaining its role as a platform for public exchange on Chinese language and culture.
Mr. Ito stated: "Currently, although many activities between our two nations have been canceled or scaled back, I still want to preserve the seeds of communication. Civilian exchanges are more important than politics. We must achieve communication through language learning, hoping this will help build positive civil relations." He added: "Sino-Japanese relations remain difficult, with no clear signs of improvement yet. Civilian exchanges can serve as a platform for mutual understanding."
Deputy Consul Feng Chun remarked: "To improve Sino-Japanese relations, we must work together to advance our bilateral ties."
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1873738193087500/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.