Notes on a survey of Chinese well-acquainted with Japan : Choices taken by Chinese after studying in Japan

Japanese dislike of China focuses on the following points: 1. its old-fashioned ‘isms’(Communism, Socialism) ; 2. its economic backwardness; 3. its export of crime to Japan in the form of waves of illegal immigrants; 4. its insistence on a self-righteously Sinocentric view of history that sees its neighbors as client states.On the other hand, Chinese dislike of Japan arises from a sense that Japan is an arrogant country that has abandoned its traditional culture in an attempt to curry favor with the West. The Chinese find it difficult to appraise Japan as an advanced Asian country, and retain a certain anti-Japanese sentiment even while using Japanese products. China’s modern history of fending off invasions has had a lasting effect. The sour notes in the Sino-Japan relationship are heard worldwide, and attract much unwelcome attention.The truth is, however, that the two countries have shared a history of friendly interchange for more than two thousand years. In order to rectify the present situation, we have no choice but to return to a study of the cultural interrelationship at its base. A target attainable from two different directions may become a practical reality if both sides take the time to study the strengths of their cultural interrelationship, and analyse the reasons behind the current disparities in mutual awareness. This task, practical but difficult at the same time, is one that international Japan studies must undertake.When contemplating the possibilities of Sino-Japanese dialogue through crosscultural communication, the experiences of foreign students, especially those who have returned to their home countries, become paramount. Students like this have real experiences of living in a foreign culture. Chinese who have studied in Japan have experienced the goodwill and efforts of their Japanese hosts, and have gone through the processes of mutual understanding, cooperation, and patience. They, more than anyone, should have valuable ideas for making the relationship between the two countries more complementary. They form a group of people who will be responsible for repairing the Sino-Japanese relationship, and their views of Japan and research on the country should prove to be excellent reference sources in the construction of international Japan studies. They provide valuable data for the author’s topic of research: the cultural interrelationship of Japan and China, and analysis of the disparities in mutual awareness.In spring 2003, the author began a survey of Chinese who have studied in Japan. This report takes up the case of a single individual who experienced life and studied in the ‘laboratory’ of Japanese society. It is hoped that the fruits of this survey may contribute to the foundation of international Japan studies