Young representatives from Japan and China have agreed that firsthand experience and heartfelt exchanges remain the most effective way to foster genuine friendship between the two nations and promote peace.

In addition to governmental engagement, people-to-people exchanges — especially those among young people — play a vital role in promoting mutual understanding, they said at a bilateral friendly exchange gathering in Beijing on Thursday.

Invited by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, three delegations with nearly 300 Japanese students are in China for a weeklong trip, which will wrap up on Friday.

Uehara Takuya from the University of Tsukuba, said the trip helped him realize the key to Japan-China friendship: true understanding can be achieved by firsthand experiences of the other country's culture, customs and interactions with local people, not only through information provided by media.

Such an understanding can be built through mutual visits and communication, he said, adding that young people must serve as bridges between the two nations.

"This visit has intrigued my greater interest toward China, and I hope to have opportunities to further learn about the country," he said, adding that he hopes to contribute, even in a small way, to the friendship between the two countries.

Hirano Eri from Sophia University echoed Takuya's opinion.

"Japan-China relations are affected not only by politics and diplomacy, but also by the feelings of our people," she noted.

There are various reports on China-Japan relations every day, but it is regrettable to make judgments based solely on limited information from media, she said, adding that visiting and experiencing the other country is the first step toward true understanding.

Zhang Tianshuo, who studies at Beijing Normal University, said that predecessors have laid the groundwork for people-to-people communication through concrete actions, and it is time for the younger generation to carry forward and deepen these bonds.

"Despite speaking different languages, we are gathered here today by our shared pursuit of understanding and friendship," he said.

Japanese Ambassador to China Kenji Kanasugi said at the gathering that the Japan-China relationship requires the broad participation and support of the two peoples.

Public sentiment between Japan and China remains a challenge in bilateral ties, hence it is essential to deepen exchanges among young people who shoulder the future of the relationship between the two countries, he said.

Yang Wanming, president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, said that the association has invited over 3,000 Japanese students to visit China over the past two years, and will continue to organize such visits.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War.

"We remember history not to perpetuate hatred, but to ensure that the bell of peace rings forever," he said.

Yang said he hopes young people from both sides will act as sowers of the seeds of peace, explore new methods of communication and cooperation, and build bridges between the hearts of the two peoples with an open mind and active action.

Sasaki Masafumi, a member of the Japan-China Friendship Association who led one of the visiting delegations, said that there is a significant difference between "the China in imagination" and "the real China".

"That is why I firmly believe it is essential for young people from Japan and China to open their minds, conduct dialogue, ask each other questions and deepen mutual understanding," he said.

zhoujin@chinadaily.com.cn