The light of encouragement brought by cultural exchange shines the brightest in the darkness of COVID-19, and SJTU is actively exploring revolution for persistent cultural interaction. On November 27, the 22nd Academic Exchange Seminar between Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) and Osaka University (OU) was held. Huang Zhen, SJTU Vice President, Kawahara Genta, OU Executive Vice President, and Zhang Yuping, Deputy Consul-General, Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Osaka, made their remarks via video. Following the opening session, the research teams of the two universities discussed thoroughly in parallel sessions. On November 28, the First Shanghai Jiao Tong University-Osaka University Student Forum was held in the form of online conference. The forum was co-hosted by SJTU and OU, organised by School of Foreign Languages (SFL) and the Centre for Japanese Studies of SJTU, and co-organised by the China-Japan Cultural Exchange Club of SJTU.

The forum, attended by over 100 students from both sides, put focus on how university students in the two countries have been positively overcoming challenges brought about by COVID-19. Eight student representatives from both universities delivered keynote speeches on four sub-topics, including scientific epidemic prevention, college life, volunteer activities and international exchanges.

Zhou Jia, a SJTU undergraduate majoring in Public Health and Preventive Medicine, said that in 2020 human beings have been confronted and challenged by the increasing number of COVID-19 cases and the varied clinical manifestations. In response to the pandemic, SJTU spared no efforts to control the source of infection, cut off the transmission vectors, and protect vulnerable groups.

SJTU’s endeavours for reopening safely is the epitome of China’s active and strict preventive measures to fight this crucial battle. Hokimoto Tatsuya, a biological engineering major from OU, told the story of students from her faculty taking the initiative to participate in research and development projects of COVID-19 vaccines and medicines.

Luo Huaixi from School of Agriculture and Biology, SJTU, and Yamada Yuki from Graduate School of Engineering, OU, shared how their lives have been impacted by the pandemic, as well as their attempts to deal with the changes.

Ma Jiaojiao from School of Media and Communication, SJTU, recalled of the time she involved herself in the epidemic prevention and control work in her home village, helping fellow villagers sell specialty foods through livestreaming during those days of difficulty. Her experience got featured in the media, demonstrating the responsibility and commitment of SJTUers.

Jin Yaoan, an overseas Chinese student from Graduate School of Engineering, OU, presented the life of Chinese students in Japan during COVID-19. Deeply touched by the care from the Chinese government during the hardest time, Jin voiced his hope to serve the motherland after completing his studies.

Liu Zeyu from School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, SJTU, gave his presentation in Japanese, introducing the China-Japan Cultural Exchange Club of SJTU briefly from three parts – the concept of the club, the activities held and the future outlook. Responding to President Xi Jinping’s call to better tell China’s stories to the outside world, SJTUers has taken action to further promote China-Japan people-to-people exchanges.

Nishitani Arisa, a Chinese major from OU, introduced in Chinese her communication with students of SJTU. Their friendship began during the First SJTU Chinese and Japanese Youth Elite Program in September 2019, and developed during COVID-19 as they exchanged information on the prevention measures and encouraged each other constantly. Nishitani expressed her wish to study abroad at STJU after the effective control of the epidemic.

Ding Jian, Secretary of CPC SFL Committee, also Deputy Director of the Centre for Japanese Studies of SJTU, delivered a speech to conclude the event. On November 24, 2020, Wang Yi and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi jointly met the journalists in Tokyo, achieving five consensuses and six decisions. Ding quoted Wang Yi’s words that “As the COVID-19 pandemic is still raging across the globe, the human community shares weal and woe, and the interests and security of all countries are closely linked. Both China and Japan, as important countries in the region and the world, as well as partners of strategic and mutually beneficial cooperation, bear the responsibility to strengthen solidarity and coordination to jointly tackle the challenges.” The forum, hosted by the two first-class universities, represents that the youngsters from both countries are joining hands to forge ahead through difficulties together. “They are shouldering the sense of social responsibility, and making their contributions to building a community with shared future,” said Ding Jian.