International Exchange & Study Tour in Japan | STBU Stud
On January 25, 2026, Lei Yuhao and Huang Huanhuan, juniors majoring in Japanese from the School of Humanities Education and Applied Sciences, Sichuan Technology and Business University (STBU), successfully completed a seven-day study tour in Japan and returned to Chengdu with rich experiences and insights.
As winners of the 23rd Kyoritsu Cup Japanese Speech Contest, this trip was not only a practice of language skills but also a cross-border cultural dialogue. From the perspective of young students, they observed, experienced and communicated, deepened understanding through field visits, and expressed their views in conversations, faithfully practicing the mission of the tour: learning culture, telling stories, making friends.
“This set the direction for our entire journey,” Lei Yuhao said. “We are not only here to experience Japan, but also to observe and dialogue from a Chinese perspective.” Later, during a visit to the Kyoritsu International Exchange Foundation, Chairman Kikukawa’s speech on promoting exchanges and peace deepened the students’ understanding of the value of people-to-people diplomacy.
“How technology empowers traditional industries and how universities support students’ personal development — these real cases are more vivid and profound than what textbooks describe,” Huang Huanhuan said.
In Niigata, the “Snow Country,” the literary mood depicted by Yasunari Kawabata came to life in the vast snowscape. Along the Kamakura coast, scenes from anime blended with reality. The students experienced the depth of culture in person and analyzed the diverse forms of cultural expression and communication from a professional perspective.
“We talked about cultural differences as well as shared hobbies and dreams,” Lei Yuhao recalled. “At that moment, competition rankings no longer mattered; what mattered was that we truly saw each other.”
Huang Huanhuan specially mentioned a working awardee: “His passion for study and life made me realize that growth has no end. We should not limit ourselves to a comfort zone, but stay open and keep learning.”
“Once you go abroad, you naturally become a window through which others see China. How you express and interact shapes the image of Chinese youth,” Lei Yuhao said.
Huang Huanhuan gained a new understanding of language learning: “Language is not only a tool but also a carrier of culture and thinking. Meeting exam standards is just a starting point; the higher goal is to truly use it to communicate, understand and express.”
This study tour vividly reflects STBU’s talent cultivation model: promoting learning through competitions, promoting teaching through competitions, and educating people through culture. The university will continue to expand international exchange platforms, support more students to go global, show the broad vision, professional competence and friendly image of contemporary Chinese youth in cross-cultural dialogues, and contribute youthful energy to promoting mutual learning among civilizations and people-to-people bonds.
As Lei Yuhao’s message to younger students goes:“Seize the chance to see the world. Go out and bring back; listen to others and tell your own story. True understanding begins with face-to-face communication; true friendship is built on heart-to-heart resonance.”
1. Message from the Embassy: Youth Are Messengers of Cultural Exchange
On January 19, the delegation first visited the Chinese Embassy in Japan. Counselor Du Kewei and other officials talked with the students cordially, reviewing historical ties and contemporary exchanges. They encouraged young students to be learners of culture, storytellers of China, and builders of friendship.“This set the direction for our entire journey,” Lei Yuhao said. “We are not only here to experience Japan, but also to observe and dialogue from a Chinese perspective.” Later, during a visit to the Kyoritsu International Exchange Foundation, Chairman Kikukawa’s speech on promoting exchanges and peace deepened the students’ understanding of the value of people-to-people diplomacy.
2. Learning on the Go: Deepening Professional Understanding Through Visits
From the traditional architecture of Kanda Shrine to the academic atmosphere of the University of Tokyo, from the tech integration at Bunka Fashion College to the diverse environment of Waseda University, the students continuously refreshed their knowledge through intensive visits.“How technology empowers traditional industries and how universities support students’ personal development — these real cases are more vivid and profound than what textbooks describe,” Huang Huanhuan said.
In Niigata, the “Snow Country,” the literary mood depicted by Yasunari Kawabata came to life in the vast snowscape. Along the Kamakura coast, scenes from anime blended with reality. The students experienced the depth of culture in person and analyzed the diverse forms of cultural expression and communication from a professional perspective.
3. Building Bridges of Friendship: Promoting Heart-to-Heart Connection
Another major gain was communicating with award winners from Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and other countries. At the farewell gathering, young people from all countries shared experiences, exchanged gifts and kept in touch.“We talked about cultural differences as well as shared hobbies and dreams,” Lei Yuhao recalled. “At that moment, competition rankings no longer mattered; what mattered was that we truly saw each other.”
Huang Huanhuan specially mentioned a working awardee: “His passion for study and life made me realize that growth has no end. We should not limit ourselves to a comfort zone, but stay open and keep learning.”
4. Reflecting and Moving Forward: Letting the World Hear Youth Voices
Looking back on the trip, both students emphasized a strong sense of responsibility.“Once you go abroad, you naturally become a window through which others see China. How you express and interact shapes the image of Chinese youth,” Lei Yuhao said.
Huang Huanhuan gained a new understanding of language learning: “Language is not only a tool but also a carrier of culture and thinking. Meeting exam standards is just a starting point; the higher goal is to truly use it to communicate, understand and express.”
This study tour vividly reflects STBU’s talent cultivation model: promoting learning through competitions, promoting teaching through competitions, and educating people through culture. The university will continue to expand international exchange platforms, support more students to go global, show the broad vision, professional competence and friendly image of contemporary Chinese youth in cross-cultural dialogues, and contribute youthful energy to promoting mutual learning among civilizations and people-to-people bonds.
As Lei Yuhao’s message to younger students goes:“Seize the chance to see the world. Go out and bring back; listen to others and tell your own story. True understanding begins with face-to-face communication; true friendship is built on heart-to-heart resonance.”