Essay collection celebrates 10th anniversary of Panda Cup contest

An essay collection marking the 10th anniversary of the Panda Cup Japan Youth Essay Contest was unveiled on Friday at the Shanghai Exhibition Center during the Shanghai Book Fair. 

An essay collection marking the 10th anniversary of the Panda Cup Japan Youth Essay Contest is unveiled in Shanghai on Aug. 16, 2024. [Photo/CICG]

The collection, titled "China in My Eyes," compiles award-winning essays from the past decade, showcasing the achievements of the Panda Cup, a flagship event organized by China International Communications Group (CICG). The book aims to highlight the contest's role in fostering deeper cultural exchanges between Chinese and Japanese youths.

Yu Yunquan, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), speaks at a book promo event in Shanghai on Aug. 16, 2024. [Photo/CICG]

At the book launch, CICG Vice President Yu Yunquan reflected on the vibrant journey of Chinese and Japanese youths in deepening their connection through the Panda Cup platform. He said he hopes young people from both countries will continue to connect through cultural exchanges and foster a stronger and enduring bond between China and Japan. 

Yu noted that the most gratifying outcome of the Panda Cup contest over the past decade was not just the award-winning essays, but also the emergence of a new generation of young cultural ambassadors dedicated to promoting Sino-Japanese friendship. Their writings are the embodiment of this friendship, and their efforts will shape the future of China-Japan relations, Yu said.

Hasegawa Ayako, director for the Cultural Affairs Division at the Consulate-General of Japan in Shanghai, speaks at a book promo event in Shanghai on Aug. 16, 2024. [Photo/CICG]

Hasegawa Ayako, director for the Cultural Affairs Division at the Consulate-General of Japan in Shanghai, noted that last year marked the 45th anniversary of the Sino-Japanese Treaty of Peace and Friendship. Over the past 45 years, exchanges between Japanese and Chinese youths have grown tremendously, building a strong foundation for the future of Japan-China relations, she said. 

The Panda Cup Japanese Youth Essay contest is co-organized by CICG Asia-Pacific, the Chinese Embassy in Japan, and the Japan Science Society. Since its inception in 2014, the contest has received nearly 5,000 essay submissions from Japanese youth, with over 100 award-winners visiting China.