From January 14th to 15th, the Sino-Japan Friendship Delegation from Central Japan visited Shenzhen, focusing their tour on the Ping An Finance Center, BYD, the Shenzhen Reform and Opening-Up Exhibition Hall, and DJI's store.

The delegation aimed to understand the latest technological advancements and economic and social developments in Shenzhen. This visit came after China implemented a 30-day visa-free policy for Japanese citizens, facilitating visa-free entry into China.

The delegation arrived at BYD's headquarters in Pingshan, Shenzhen. Inside BYD's exhibition hall, they learned about the company's history, diverse products, and cutting-edge technological achievements. They then viewed various car models, including the BYD Yangwang U8 and U9, and gained insights into advanced technologies such as DM-i Super Hybrid and battery puncture tests. They also experienced BYD's Sky Shuttle. 

Hiroko Higuchi, an international affairs officer from Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture, was impressed by  BYD's latest battery technologies and applications. "In Japan, even when new technologies are invented, they are rarely applied to daily life. But in China, cutting-edge technologies like the Sky Shuttle are integrated into daily life. I think this is fantastic," said Hiroko. 

Nakahara Keito, a representative from Aichi Prefecture, noted that the visit left him with the impressions of "huge scale" and "rapid technological development." "Compared to cities in Japan, the companies and buildings here are much larger. I also felt the difference in technological development speed between China and Japan. BYD and DJI are developing top-notch technologies at an astonishing pace, which I believe Japan must learn from," he said. 

Most delegation members, except Yoshida Shu, were first-time visitors to China. Yoshida, who serves as a member of Ishikawa Prefecture's Assembly and deputy chair of the Ishikawa-China Friendship Association, has visited Shenzhen multiple times before the pandemic and has maintained close ties with Shenzhen's primary schools.

He described Shenzhen as a city with a "pleasant climate," "friendly people," and "advanced technology". He noted that since 1985, a primary school from his hometown has conducted friendly visits with Shenzhen Primary School, yielding fruitful results. Next, the six prefectures in central Japan, including Ishikawa Prefecture, will continue to deepen cooperation and enhance exchanges with Shenzhen's primary schools. 

Regarding how Japan and China can seize the moment to sustain this warmth, Yoshida Shu suggested continuing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the economic, educational, and technological fields, especially by organizing more activities like this delegation to enhance mutual understanding among youth from both countries.

The delegation's six-day tour of Guangdong included visits to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Zhuhai.

cnbayarea.org.cn & GDToday