On Saturday, December 8, Tsinghua University and Ritsumeikan University jointly held an academic symposium under the theme 'Culture and Creation in East Asia — The trajectory of Interaction' at Tsinghua University Jiasuo in Beijing. The symposium was co-hosted by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Beijing Representative Office and supported by the Embassy of Japan in China.

The aim of the symposium was to promote academic exchange between Japan and China through research and exchange on East Asian culture, with a special focus on Japan-China relations in the humanities: literature, history, philosophy and art. Researchers from both Tsinghua University and Ritsumeikan University presented their research findings and actively exchanged views.

In his opening address, Professor Peng Gang, Assistant President of Tsinghua University said:

I hope this symposium will serve as a springboard for deepening mutual understanding and boosting exchange and collaboration between the two universities.

From Ritsumeikan University, Vice Chancellor Yoshio Nakatani stated in his opening address:

Both Chinese and Japanese educational institutions have the responsibility to build a peaceful and sustainable society and to nurture the next generation who will bear the future of the world. Collaboration between Tsinghua University and Ritsumeikan University is an initiative that will surely meet the expectations from the international community and contribute to the friendship and development of China and Japan.

Professor Liu Xiaofeng, Deputy Director of the Faculty of Arts, Tsinghua University and Professor Ryuzo Ueno, Dean of the College of Letters, Ritsumeikan University, served as moderators.

Professors of both universities gave presentations from their respective research perspectives, forming the basis for lively question and answer sessions in which participants exchanged views on Chinese and Japanese cultures.

The symposium was held to celebrate the first anniversary of the office as well as to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Japan and The People's Republic of China.

About Ritsumeikan University Beijing Office

Established in September 2017, Ritsumeikan University Beijing Office has reached its first anniversary. Since its establishment, the office has actively implemented collaborative projects with a number of Chinese-based institutions, whilst at the same time promoting the activities of Ritsumeikan University to a wider audience in China.