On October 31, 2024, Tokyo hosted the 9th HSK Study Abroad and Employment Fair. China's rising global influence became an attractive destination for young Japanese seeking academic and professional opportunities. With nearly 60 Chinese universities and Chinese-Japanese businesses participating, the event served as a vibrant platform for showcasing China's dynamic market and its diverse possibilities to Japanese youth.
One of the standout moments came from Ayata Utsunomiya, a recent Waseda University graduate who shared his journey and insights into the growing opportunities in China. "During my time studying in China, I realized just how vast the potential of the Chinese market is. Seeing Japanese companies thrive in China inspired me to consider working for Japanese firms closely connected to Chinese trade and business," Utsunomiya said. His remarks reflected the broader sentiment at the fair, where many young Japanese participants were eager to explore China's economic prospects and cultural exchanges.
The Dynamic Appeal of Studying and Working in China
The HSK Fair saw a high turnout, with young attendees ranging from university students to recent graduates seeking to understand China's potential as a place for higher education and professional growth. Among the most enthusiastic were three sisters of mixed Chinese-Japanese descent, whose father is Chinese. The sisters attended back-to-back sessions on studying and working in China while saving time by eating rice balls, a testament to their focus and determination. The sisters' diverse backgrounds highlighted the increasing ties between Japan and China at the personal level, with an understanding of both cultures offering them a unique advantage.
The eldest sister, who had just graduated from university, shared her exciting news: she had received an offer from a Chinese company's Japan branch. She explained, "Many in-car display screens are manufactured in China, and their market share in Japan is leading. The company has great growth potential, and my Chinese language skills give me an edge in this field." This practical approach—leveraging Chinese language skills in a growing, globalized market—was echoed by several participants, underlining how proficiency in Chinese is becoming a competitive advantage in Japan's job market.
Meanwhile, the second sister, a university student, had spent a year studying at East China Normal University in Shanghai. With a keen interest in cosmetics, she hopes to work for a company with strong trade ties with China. The youngest sister, still in her second year of university, was particularly interested in learning more about employment opportunities at BYD, the Chinese electric vehicle company after her family had purchased one of its cars. "The car is not only stylish but also comfortable and spacious," she said.
The Rising Popularity of Chinese Entertainment in Japan
In addition to academic and employment opportunities, cultural exchange was a significant theme at the fair. At the booth of a Japanese film production company, popular Chinese TV dramas like The Wind Chaser, The Dream of the Sea, and Joy of Life drew significant attention. These dramas, increasingly well-known in Japan, were displayed in vivid stills from the shows, sparking long lines of curious visitors eager to learn more.
Koukei Yi, the head of the company's media production division, noted that the popularity of Chinese television dramas has surged in Japan in recent years. "Chinese TV shows like "The Joy of Life" and "The Untamed" enjoy massive popularity with Japanese audiences. The fair's turnout clearly indicates how Chinese entertainment has gained traction here," Yi said.
One of the attendees, Hideki Kinoshita, a senior student and a fan of Chinese television, expressed his interest in pursuing a career in the Chinese entertainment industry. "I hope to stay in China and work in film and TV distribution, introducing high-quality Chinese dramas to Japanese viewers," Kinoshita said. His ambition speaks to a growing trend among Japanese youth: an increasing interest in China's cultural exports, especially within the media and entertainment industries. The fair had become a bridge for professional and personal engagement with China's creative landscape.
The HSK fair was a venue for learning about educational programs and a place to connect with Chinese universities and businesses expanding their reach in Japan. Fudan University, one of China's leading academic institutions, had a prominent booth at the event, drawing considerable interest from students eager to explore study abroad opportunities in China. Su Kui, Director of Fudan University's International Students Office, mentioned that Fudan has already established partnerships with over 40 Japanese universities and research institutions, including prestigious schools like the University of Tokyo and Waseda University. "We warmly welcome students from Japan and other countries to come and experience a truly diverse and vibrant China," Su Kui said.
The increase in student exchange programs between China and Japan is becoming vital to deepening mutual understanding between the two countries. This trend fosters better educational experiences and helps cultivate a generation of young professionals ready to work across borders. The fair's focus on career development and China's expanding presence in global markets makes it an ideal moment for young Japanese to consider China a place to study and build their careers.
A Global Opportunity
The growing interest in studying and working in China reflects a broader shift in the perspectives of young Japanese. With China's continued economic expansion and cultural influence, more Japanese youth are beginning to see China not only as a neighboring country but as a hub of opportunities—whether in business, technology, culture, or entertainment. As these trends unfold, the HSK Study Abroad and Employment Fair serves as a reminder of the ever-strengthening ties between China and Japan, where opportunities are abundant for those willing to bridge the gap and engage with China's dynamic future.
For Japan's younger generation, China represents not just an academic destination or a career opportunity but a gateway to becoming part of a globalized world where collaboration and innovation cross borders and cultures. As more Japanese youth take advantage of these opportunities, the future promises a deeper, more interconnected relationship between the two nations.
