In an effort to foster cultural exchange, interpersonal interaction and mutual understanding between China and Japan, about 200 people convened at the Chinese embassy in Tokyo on Friday for an award ceremony honoring winners of an annual essay contest showcasing unforgettable experiences in China.

The event highlighted the impactful role of personal narratives in bridging cultural divides and strengthening ties between the two nations.

The contest, initiated in 2017 by The Duan Press, a Tokyo-based publishing company, originally focused on stories from Japanese students studying in China. In 2018, its scope broadened to include expatriates, travelers and any Japanese individual with firsthand experience of life in China. Renamed "Unforgettable Experiences in China", the contest has been held annually ever since.

Over the past seven years, more than 2,000 participants have shared narratives that include memorable local episodes, stories of learning and inspiration, cross-border friendships, new discoveries and honest depictions of China as seen through Japanese eyes — offering unique insights into aspects of China seldom known to outsiders.

At the award ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao emphasized the importance of the initiative in fostering grassroots exchanges and mutual understanding between the two nations.

This year, over 200 individuals, ranging in age from 91 to elementary school students, participated in the contest. Winners came from a wide array of backgrounds, reflecting a diversity of connections to China, from enduring relationships to recent experiences.

"I hope that more new participants will visit China, write about their experiences, and share them widely," Wu said.

He also highlighted recent diplomatic milestones, including Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya's productive discussions with his Chinese counterpart in Beijing earlier this week.

Wu expressed his sincere wish for 2025 to be a year marked by significant exchange and collaboration between China and Japan.