Author: Si Zhiwu, Xiao Daping

Publisher: Collaborative Innovation Center for the Inheritance and Dissemination of Chinese Culture in Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Overseas Areas, and Japan Campus

Date: November 13, 2024  

From October 30 to November 2, 2024, Jinan University’s delegation, led by Cheng Guofu, Executive Director of the Chinese Culture Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Overseas Inheritance and Communication Collaborative Innovation Center, and Huang Xiaoyan, Deputy Director of the Social Science Research Department, embarked on a significant visit to Japan. The delegation engaged with key academic institutions, including Osaka University, Nishogakusha University, Meiji University, and Waseda University, focusing on fostering academic exchanges and educational cooperation in cultural communication.

 Key Activities and Discussions

1. Osaka University: 

   - The delegation commenced their visit at Osaka University, exploring the university's Chinese studies and cultural heritage through the Huaide Hall Memorial Hall, a vital repository of Chinese literature in Kansai. Professor Akihiro Okajima led discussions on the hall's collection, paving the way for potential collaborative research on these resources.

   - In meetings with faculty members, opportunities for joint research projects, teacher-student exchanges, and academic collaborations were discussed, resulting in multiple consensuses.

(The delegation visited Osaka University)

2. Nishogakusha University: 

   - Subsequent discussions with scholars such as Professor MACHI Senjuro focused on drafting a cooperation agreement between the Collaborative Innovation Center and the university’s East Asia Academic Comprehensive Research Institute. Collaborative research on cultural exchanges and the publication of rare Chinese texts were key topics, alongside plans for joint academic conferences.

(The delegation discussed cooperation initiatives with the appropriate representative from Nishogakusha University.)

3. Meiji University: 

   - At Meiji University, the delegation, including Professor Tomomi Sakurai and Professor Yukio Takada, reviewed existing relationships between their faculties and explored further options for student exchanges and collaborative research initiatives.

4. Waseda University: 

   - The delegation's visit culminated with in-depth dialogues at Waseda University, where Vice President Yoshihiro Watanabe and other leaders discussed signing a cooperation agreement, focusing on joint cultural exchange events and academic collaborations, including a Sino-Japanese cultural exchange conference.

(The delegation held discussions with key officials from Waseda University.)

 Unveiling Ceremony and Cultural Lecture

On November 2, the delegation held a notable ceremony to unveil the Japan Branch of the Chinese Culture Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Overseas Inheritance and Communication Collaborative Innovation Center at Jinan University Japan College in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. This event attracted key figures including Chen Xiujie, Deputy Director of the Joint Management Committee of the Japanese Academy, and other representatives from both China and Japan.

- In her speech, Chen emphasized the branch’s role as a gateway for Chinese culture in Japan and a support system for the cultural confidence of overseas Chinese.

- Huang highlighted the expanded research opportunities the center will provide. Cheng noted that the center would significantly enhance cultural exchanges between China and Japan.

(Jinan University officially launched the Japan branch of the Collaborative Innovation Center for the Inheritance and Dissemination of Chinese Culture, aimed at Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and overseas regions.)

The establishment of this Japan branch, approved in 2022, marks a pivotal move for Jinan University in its mission to advance international education and fulfill General Secretary Xi Jinping's vision of promoting Chinese culture globally.

After the unveiling, Cheng Guofu delivered an academic lecture titled The Naming Art of Dream of the Red Chamber, marking the first overseas lecture conducted by the Collaborative Innovation Center. This event also served as the inaugural session of the Chinese Culture Forum held at the Japan College of Jinan University, fostering dialogue among Japanese students and scholars interested in Chinese culture.

This visit reaffirms Jinan University's commitment to cultural heritage and educational collaboration, seeking to establish long-term partnerships that enrich both Chinese and Japanese academic and cultural landscapes.