The Ikuta Shrine in Kobe. [Photo provided by Ichiban Japan]

Green technologies

Luan Jianzhang, director-general of the Foreign Affairs Office of Tianjin, said Tianjin has been dedicated to innovation and green technologies, as the Port of Tianjin is evolving into the world's leading smart zero-carbon terminal and fulfilling its commitment to carbon reduction and neutrality.

"Over the past five decades, the cities of Tianjin and Kobe have engaged in fruitful collaboration across a spectrum of sectors, including port and logistics, healthcare, environmental protection, culture, sports, and animal conservation," Luan said.

"The success of this collaboration has paved the way for Tianjin to form more friendship city partnerships, fostering cultural dialogue and mutual understanding across different cities."

At the core of the Tianjin-Kobe friendship is a deep appreciation for people-to-people exchanges. While official agreements provide a framework for cooperation, the personal connections forged between individuals also strengthen the bonds between cities and countries.

Mutsumi Kashiwase, a 22-year-old student majoring in Chinese language at Kobe City University of Foreign Studies, joined the international student class at Tianjin Foreign Studies University last year, where she delved into the intricacies of Chinese grammar, lengthy texts, and the art of calligraphy.

During her time in Tianjin, Kashiwase frequently interacted with Chinese graduate students. And every two weeks, students from the School of Japanese Studies would engage in discussions in Japanese with students like her, fostering strong relationships among them.

"Students in Tianjin were genuinely enthusiastic, discussing topics like Japanese language learning and anime with me," Kashiwase said. Their kindness and hospitality have left a lasting impression on her perception of China and its people.

In 1983, on the 10th anniversary of the friendship city relationship, Kobe City University of Foreign Studies and Tianjin Foreign Studies University signed an agreement on establishing an exchange program.

From 2007 to 2023, the Kobe university sent 12 undergraduate students to Tianjin and received 16 graduate students from the Tianjin university, said a public relations officer at Kobe City University of Foreign Studies.

The spirit of friendship also extends to younger generations. In the past two months, hundreds of students from Kobe and other Japanese cities visited Tianjin, taking part in the "Friendship Tour" organized by Tianjin's Foreign Affairs Office.

"I was captivated by Tianjin's architecture and was eager to learn more about it while interacting with teenagers in the city," one of the students said. "Though one week was short, it promised to be an unforgettable experience."