Since this spring, high-level interactions between China and Japan have been warming up. A member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi successfully visited Japan in March. On April 22, the leader of the Japanese Komeito Party, Tetsuo Saito, visited China and delivered a personal letter from Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to Chinese leaders. Following closely, the Secretary-General of the Japanese Liberal Democratic Party, Yu Morishita, will lead a delegation of the Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians Union to visit China.

At the same time, economic and trade exchanges between China and Japan, as well as the region, continue to deepen. In March, the sixth China-Japan high-level economic dialogue held in Tokyo reached 20 important consensuses. In the same month, the 13th China-Japan-Korea economic ministers' meeting took place in Seoul, where the three countries agreed to cooperate under regional and multilateral frameworks and discussed accelerating negotiations for a China-Japan-Korea free trade agreement.

In this context, the Japanese Ambassador to China, Kenji Kanasugi, recently accepted an exclusive interview in Beijing with The Paper (www.thepaper.cn), commenting that the current Japan-China relations are \developing towards stability,\ and exchanges in various forms have become active again. The number of Chinese travelers to Japan after the COVID-19 pandemic is steadily increasing, while the number of Japanese coming to China has not rebounded as expected. He hopes that more Japanese will come to China in the future.

Japanese Ambassador to China, Kenji Kanasugi, was interviewed by The Paper. All images in this article are by The Paper reporter, Yang Wenqin.

Additionally, when it comes to the international changes, both China and Japan are currently facing the tariff policy of the Trump administration in the United States. Kenji Kanasugi stated that Japan is negotiating with the U.S., with the premise of maintaining and strengthening the international economic order based on rules. At the same time, in addition to working hard to resolve bilateral issues, China and Japan should also consider how to cooperate and play a positive role in maintaining and strengthening the international economic order.

Sino-Japanese exchanges should be two-way, hoping for more Japanese people to come to China.

The Paper News:Since taking office in December 2023, the ambassador has visited multiple provinces in China and engaged in extensive exchanges with people from all walks of life. During this process, what new understandings and discoveries have you made about China? How does the China reported by the Japanese media differ from your experiences? In your opinion, in which areas is the exchange and cooperation between China and Japan currently going well? In which parts do you think further deepening and expansion are needed?

Kanji Kanshou:I have been in China for one year and four months, during which I have traveled to various parts of China for business 16 times. I have been warmly welcomed everywhere, which makes me very happy.

The overall Sino-Japanese relations, based on the consensus reached by the leaders of both countries, have resumed exchanges and are moving towards a stable direction. In particular, including the exchange of views at the government level, various forms of exchanges have become active again. The number of Chinese travelers to Japan is steadily increasing.

The number of Japanese travelers to China has not yet returned to the desired level. Exchanges between Japan and China should be two-way, and I hope that more Japanese people will visit China in the future.

The Paper News:The Osaka Expo opened on April 13th. What do you think the Expo will bring to the advancement of Sino-Japanese exchanges and cooperation? According to reports, previously, the Japanese side indicated to Taiwan that it required Taiwan to clearly announce that the participants in the Osaka Expo are private companies. How did the Japanese government handle this issue properly?

Kanji Kanshou:The Chinese side has provided tremendous support and assistance for this World Expo. During the six-month exhibition period, in addition to July 11th being designated as the China National Pavilion Day, each province, autonomous region, and municipality directly under the Central Government of China will also hold their respective activity weeks.

In the current situation where the world is facing a divided situation, the World Expo is a great opportunity for people to gather together and think about the future. Therefore, it is hoped that people from all sides, including China, will visit the World Expo and take it as an opportunity for in-depth thinking and exchange.

Regarding some media reports, I will not comment on them one by one. As for Taiwan, the position of the Japanese government remains unchanged as stated in the 1972 \Japan-China Joint Statement.\ It is understood that in this World Expo, under the framework of non-governmental practical relations, Taiwanese-funded Japanese legal entities participated in the exhibition activities of the \Tech World Pavilion\ in the form of private pavilions.

The reporter from The Paper presented Jin Shanxianzhi with Shanghai dim sum butterfly cookies.

The Paper News:At the end of last year, the 20th \Beijing-Tokyo Forum\ public opinion survey on China-Japan relations showed that 51.8% of Chinese respondents and 58.0% of Japanese respondents value each other's country as a major world economy and an important trade partner for their own country. Could you discuss the current situation and prospects of Japanese companies operating in China?

Kanji Kanshou:Currently, there are over 10,000 Japanese-funded enterprises operating in more than 30,000 locations in China. China is an extremely competitive market where many enterprises face various difficulties and challenges. Despite this, numerous Japanese-funded enterprises hold a strong conviction that if they cannot stand out in the Chinese market, it will be difficult for them to compete globally. It is with this mindset that they continue to conduct business in China. In addition, some Japanese companies are also cooperating with Chinese enterprises to jointly explore markets in third-party countries.

The Paper News:What do you think will be the new growth areas for cooperation in the economic field between China and Japan in the future?

Kanji Kanshou:The leadership of both countries has repeatedly mentioned areas where cooperation can be carried out, especially in the fields of environment, new energy, and disaster prevention and reduction, where there is great potential for cooperation.

Japan and China both face the common challenge of a declining birth rate and aging population, so there is hope for more in-depth cooperation in areas such as elderly care and medical health. Currently, such cooperation is still in its infancy, but some companies have already begun to try, for example, by developing residential projects aimed at the elderly. In the future, Japanese companies may also establish and operate various types of elderly care facilities in China, and there are many possibilities in this field.

Kenji Kan during the interview, wearing a suit with the Osaka Expo mascot \Mai Mai\ badge, has been committed to promoting the Expo and recommending Chinese tourists to participate in the activity weeks held by various provinces and cities in China during the Expo.

China and Japan still have negative impressions of each other's perceptions and cognition.

The Paper News:After Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba took office, he sent signals to improve relations with China, but there was dissatisfaction among the conservative faction in Japan regarding this diplomatic posture. How do you evaluate the current Sino-Japanese relations? What are your expectations for the Ishiba government's policy towards China?

Kanji Kanshou:

Despite this, we should properly manage differences, promote problem-solving, and continuously expand the field of practical cooperation through ongoing dialogue and communication. This requires not only the joint efforts of the two governments but also the widespread participation and support of the people of both countries, working together to promote the steady development of bilateral relations.

The Paper News:What are the pressing issues that need to be addressed between China and Japan currently? Specifically, how should they be tackled?

Kanji Kanshou:The most challenging aspect of current Japan-China relations is the sentiment between the peoples of the two countries. Regrettably, the perception of China within Japan, as well as the understanding of Japan within Chinese society, still harbors a significant number of negative impressions. Such a situation cannot be improved overnight, and there is no \quick fix\ that can produce immediate results. The key lies in starting with small steps, diligently addressing specific issues, and actively promoting practical cooperation. Only through the continuous accumulation of positive interactions can we advance Japan-China relations and allow the peoples of both countries to truly feel the benefits of improved Japan-China relations.

This is not a goal that can be achieved solely by the government. Private enterprises, media, and all relevant parties need to work together to advance this process. Even if it's just a small step forward, we want to tirelessly promote this process in Beijing.

The Paper News:With the increase in high-level interactions between China and Japan, mutual visits by leaders are also anticipated. Prime Minister Ishiyama said in a TV program in January, \In order to enhance the trust relationship, I hope to visit China at the best possible time.\ The mutual visits between Chinese and Japanese leaders have been suspended for five years. Are the conditions and foundations for resuming these visits currently in place? What preparations is Japan making for this?

Kanji Kanshou:The consensus reached by the leaders of Japan and China is to comprehensively advance the strategic mutually beneficial relationship, and on this basis, promote dialogue and exchanges at all levels. In December last year, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono visited China; in March this year, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Japan and also attended the Japan-China-Korea Foreign Ministers' Meeting. It can be said that the mutual visits of the foreign ministers of Japan and China have been successfully realized.

At present, Japan is serving as the chair of Japan-China-Korea cooperation, and we will fully leverage the opportunity of the Japan-China-Korea leaders' meeting held in Japan to promote the development of Japan-China relations. Looking further ahead, Prime Minister Ishinomaki has expressed his willingness to visit China, and I also hope that this trip can be realized at an appropriate time in the future. However, there is no specific schedule at the moment, and we will proceed step by step.

The Paper News:Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in Tokyo in March when meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono that China and Japan are important close neighbors, and the significance of the relationship between the two countries transcends the bilateral scope. Last year, during Foreign Minister Taro Kono's visit to China, he also stated that the improvement of China-Japan relations is of great significance to Asia and the world. Against the backdrop of intensifying global geopolitical tensions, how do you view the significance of the improvement of China-Japan relations for this region, the Asia-Pacific, and the world?

Kanji Kanshou:Before taking up my new post in Beijing, I served as an ambassador in Indonesia for three years. When I was transferred from Jakarta to Beijing, many of my Indonesian friends told me that the stability of Japan-China relations is not only crucial for Indonesia, ASEAN, Asia, but also for the entire world. They encouraged me to continue working hard in Beijing to promote the relationship between the two countries. Indeed, as important economies in Asia and globally, Japan and China bear significant responsibilities in promoting regional and global peace and development in many areas. In other words, cooperation between Japan and China can make positive contributions to peace and development in Asia and the world.

As neighbors, Japan and China have had over 2000 years of exchange history. Throughout this process, the relationship between Japan and China has always had its ups and downs. Despite this, both sides have managed to overcome difficulties and promote the gradual development of bilateral relations. Much of Japan's culture was introduced from China through the Korean Peninsula, and this sense of historical depth also makes people feel that the relationship between Japan and China has a different significance and value compared to the relationships with some other countries.

Japan's diplomacy towards the United States and China must be steadily advanced on the basis of maintaining balance.

The Paper News:The ambassador just mentioned the international situation and external factors. One external factor that cannot be ignored is the United States. The impact and uncertainty brought to the world by Trump 2.0 are obvious. How does Japan view this impact and uncertainty?

Kanji Kanshou:I believe that the entire world is in the midst of a great wave of change. In terms of relations with the United States, the U.S. is Japan's only ally, so maintaining a stable relationship with the U.S. is crucial and must be properly advanced. Recently, Japan's Minister in charge of Economic Revitalization, Akasawa, visited the United States, and consultations between Japan and the U.S. have been initiated.

At the same time, from a principled standpoint, Japan has always developed within the rule-based international economic order, so I believe it is very important to maintain and strengthen this order. We should continue to advance Japan-U.S. consultations on this premise.

The Paper News:Compared to the Biden administration, will there be some changes in Japan-U.S. relations after the Trump administration takes office?

Kanji Kanshou:Regardless of how the American government changes, the Japan-U.S. relationship must be properly maintained. I believe that if this can be achieved, the Japan-U.S. relationship will not change.

The Paper News:Recently, the United States has introduced \reciprocal tariffs,\ with Japan also facing tariffs as high as 24%. Although the U.S. has announced a 90-day \suspension period,\ the future still faces an uncertain situation. How does the Japanese government view the Trump administration's \tariff war\? How will they respond? What measures will the Japanese side take to protect free trade and the international economic order?

Kanji Kanshou:The United States' tariff measures are very regrettable. We have explained to the U.S. side the potential impact of these measures on the Japanese economy and, based on this, have called on the U.S. to promptly re-examine the relevant policies. However, on top of this position, the Japan-U.S. relationship holds extremely important significance. From the perspective of building a mutually beneficial and win-win Japan-U.S. relationship, we hope to effectively advance Japan-U.S. consultations, with the premise still being to maintain and strengthen the international economic order based on rules.

In terms of Japan-China relations, there are also many practical issues and unresolved problems at present. On the one hand, we need to strive to resolve these bilateral issues, while also considering in which areas we can cooperate, and which cooperation can play a positive role in maintaining and strengthening the international economic order. To this end, we need to maintain communication at multiple levels, understand each other's ideas, and find entry points for cooperation.

The Paper News:In this context, how does Japan plan to balance and manage its important bilateral relationships with the United States and China?

Kanji Kanshou:The importance of Japan-U.S. relations is as stated above. At the same time, for Japan, China is the largest trading partner, coupled with historical roots and geographical proximity, among other factors, making Japan-China relations also have their unique significance. There is no \quick fix\ in dealing with relations with China and the United States; Japan must steadily advance on the basis of maintaining balance in both its diplomacy with the United States and with China. To achieve this goal, both Japan and the United States, as well as China and Japan, must continue to engage in dialogue and maintain smooth communication.

Facing U.S. tariff policy, promote multifaceted communication and exchange between Japan, China, and South Korea.

The Paper News:The 13th China-Japan-Korea Economic and Trade Ministerial Meeting discussed the need to jointly safeguard free trade and the multilateral trading system, oppose unilateralism and protectionism, and discussed accelerating negotiations for a China-Japan-Korea free trade agreement, agreeing to promote regional economic integration. In the face of the United States' tariff measures, how do you think the three countries of China, Japan, and Korea can jointly respond?

Kanji Kanshou:Countries around the world must manage their relations with the United States, and Japan has already initiated consultations. I believe that China and South Korea will also engage in consultations with the United States at some point in the future. In this process, the most important thing is to ensure that the rules-based international economic order is maintained and further strengthened, thereby promoting global economic development. On this basis, Japan, China, and South Korea each properly manage their relations with the United States, and cooperate in areas where cooperation is possible; this is the situation we look forward to.

The Paper News:How do you view the prospects of regional economic integration among China, Japan, and South Korea, and how to promote steady and long-term cooperation among the three countries?

Kanji Kanshou:At present, we do not have a clear timetable, especially in the face of extremely chaotic global situations, the progress still has a great deal of uncertainty. However, I believe that the three countries should promote communication in various aspects on the basis of adhering to their fundamental positions, and continue to explore in this process.

The Paper News:Japan will host the 10th China-Japan-South Korea leaders' meeting. How is the preparation progress going?

Kanji Kanshou:Each of the three countries has its own domestic situation to consider, and the biggest uncertain factor at present is that South Korea will hold a presidential election on June 3rd. Before the new president takes office, it is difficult to start the specific coordination work. Despite this, Japan, China, and South Korea have reached a consensus on holding a trilateral leaders' meeting as soon as possible, and as long as this prerequisite is met, it is expected that the meeting will be realized at an appropriate time.

The Paper News:The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese people's War of Resistance against Japan and the global fight against fascism. The current momentum for the improvement of Sino-Japanese relations is hard-won, and it is particularly crucial to maintain the political foundation of the relationship between the two countries. At this significant juncture, what are your expectations for the development of Sino-Japanese relations?

Kanji Kanshou:On this basis, maintaining peace and development in this region is the common responsibility of Japan, China, and all the countries in the region. If we can take on this responsibility, it will bring benefits to the entire region. Therefore, Japan and China should maintain good communication, and on the basis of commemorating the 80th anniversary after the war, work together to build a future with more development prospects.

Leaders from Japan and China have reached consensus on facing the future and promoting Japan-China cooperation at various important moments in history. I hope we do not forget these consensuses and continue to work hard to promote Japan-China relations.

The Paper News:For some Chinese tourists who wish to visit the World Expo in Osaka, what recommendations does the ambassador have?

Kanji Kanshou:At this Osaka World Expo, China has a total of 30 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the Central Government hosting provincial, regional, and municipal activities week. The first to start was the Sichuan Week (April 28th to 30th). For instance, people from Sichuan can take advantage of their hometown's event week to visit and see how the characteristics of their hometown are promoted and displayed. The official website of the World Expo has published the event schedules of various provinces and cities in China. It is recommended that everyone chooses to visit during the event period of the regions they are familiar with, which might be more interesting.

The Paper News:The ambassador has been serving in China for more than a year, what message does he/she want to convey to the Chinese people at the moment?

Kanji Kanshou:Japan and China have a history of mutual learning, one example I often cite is that the Japanese monk Kūkai came to China to study during the Tang Dynasty (8th century), where he studied \Esoteric Buddhism\ at the Qinglong Temple in Xi'an, and then brought the Esoteric Buddhism he learned back to Japan. Today, Esoteric Buddhism continues to be passed down in Takayamadera in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. Later in China, Esoteric Buddhism gradually became lost, and the monks from Qinglong Temple went to Takayamadera to study Esoteric Buddhism, bringing it back to China. Spanning 1200 years, there are actually many more examples of mutual learning like this.

Although there are indeed some difficulties between Japan and China at present, when viewed from the long river of history, we have always grown together through mutual learning. Therefore, I hope we do not forget this historical context and continue to work hard to promote exchanges and dialogue between Japan and China. I also sincerely hope that the Chinese people can provide support.