Confucius Institute at Sapporo University in Japan Marks 10th Anniversary

The Confucius Institute at Sapporo University in Japan celebrated its 10th anniversary, at 10 a.m. local time on September 28th. The ceremony was held on the fifth floor of a mansion located at the centre of Sapporo City. Mr. Takai Shu, Vice Governor of Hokkaido, Mr. Sojima Noria, Vice Mayor of Sapporo, Mr. Aoki, Chairman of the Hokkaido Japan-China Friendship Association and Mr. Teng Anjun, Chinese Consul-General to Sapporo attended the ceremony and ribbon-cutting ceremony. Participants also included the Hokkaido Japan-China Economic Friendship Association, other friendly societies, China-invested enterprises such as China Eastern Airlines and Air China as well as over 600 citizens.

Cutting the ribbon

Mr. Takai Shu, Vice-Governor of Hokkaido, Mr. Sojima Noria, Vice-Mayor of Sapporo and other guests extended their congratulations, all speaking highly of the contributions made by the Confucius Institute at Sapporo University to Sino-Japanese friendly relations. On behalf of the Prefecture of Hokkaido and the municipal government of Sapporo, they expressed good wishes and hopes to strengthen friendly exchanges between the people from both countries in various fields. Following the ceremony, a sequence of rich and interesting activities were hosted including a Chinese Traditional Concert, a Chinese Kung Fu Show, a Chinese Tea Culture Show, a Quiz about Chinese Culture, Guessing Riddles. An Introduction to the Chinese Language, and an Introduction to Chinese Places of Interest were also featured. A host of people in the audiences came to the Chinese Traditional Concert held in the concert hall, which presented an enlivened scene. Meanwhile, many people had to wait in queue, which gave an indication of their desire to take part in projects such as playing Chinese musical instruments, tasting Chinese tea and tying Chinese knots. Such a splendid situation would touch many people who wish for friendly relations between China and Japan.

Photos taken at the event

Held on a sunny weekend, the ceremony was held in the hall of the mansion where the Confucius Institute is located. Thanks to these favorable conditions, it attracted large numbers of local citizens including students, office staff as well as the old and the young. Apart from these, the organizers played a key role in successfully holding the ceremony. As early as six months ago, the Confucius Institute had begun a period of careful planning. It also organized a team of nearly 60 volunteers, made up of overseas students and its own students. They had conducted many rehearsals to ensure that the ceremony would be successfully held.

Participants left their words on the message board to express their happiness, affection for Chinese culture and good wishes for Sino-Japanese relations. Through holding this activity, the Confucius Institute enables local citizens, students and others to know more about the Confucius Institute and Chinese culture. The Confucius Institute belongs to both China and the entire world.

Notes left by participants

Moments in the development of the Confucius Institute at Sapporo University over the past 10 years