On March 29, 2025, XJTU commemorated the 40th anniversary of its Japanese Studies program, celebrating four decades of academic achievement, talent cultivation, and a shared vision for the future.
The ceremony featured speeches from XJTU leaders, SFS faculty members, founders of the Japanese Studies program, and international teachers. Representatives from the China Japanese Education Association, the Higher Education Press, the Beijing Center of the Japan Foundation, and peer institutions, along with Japanese studies program alumni from both home and abroad, attended the event.
Wang Huan, Deputy Secretary of the XJTU Party Committee, recognized the Japanese Studies program for its unwavering efforts to serve national strategies and cultivate over a thousand outstanding graduates, which help build a vital bridge for Sino-Japanese cultural exchange.
She outlined three future aspirations: deepening interdisciplinary integration under the "New Liberal Arts" initiative, expanding international cooperation to build model platforms for Sino-Japanese educational exchange, and strengthening contact networks to foster synergy between XJTU, its alumni, and broader society.
Chen Xiangjing, Dean of SFS, introduced achievements made by SFS and its Japanese department, particularly in integrating data science and language studies in the age of artificial intelligence. She also expressed gratitude to alumni for their continued support and encouraged them to remain engaged in the department's growth, working together to promote breakthroughs in foreign language studies in the new era.
Cao Hongquan, Director of the Japanese Department, reviewed the department's achievements since its founding in 1985 and acknowledged contributions from alumni and founders like Gu Mingyao and Zhao Gang. She highlighted the commitment to the tradition of mentorship across generations and educational innovation to meet the demands of a changing world.
The celebration included a floral tribute to retired faculty and international teachers.
Professor Gu Mingyao, a founding member of the Japanese studies program, reflected on the program development, expressed gratitude to faculty members, and put forward insights of pursuing unique academic strengths and implementing tailored mentorship models for younger faculty and students.
Representatives from partner organizations sent the warmest congratulations and wishes to XJTU's Japanese studies program on its 40th anniversary and highlighted long-term cooperation and ongoing support for promoting Sino-Japanese exchange. Faculty members reflected on their rewarding teaching experiences, while alumni and students shared personal learning insights and future aspirations.
The celebration concluded with a forum titled "My Alma Mater and My Growth," where 15 alumni shared their career experiences from finance, business, and entrepreneurship perspectives. Participants called for deeper university-enterprise collaboration, and the department announced plans to build internship and training platforms leveraging alumni networks to support student development.
Marking its 40th anniversary, XJTU's Japanese Studies program not only reflected on its proud legacy but also launched toward a promising future. XJTU will embrace innovation and vitality to shape an exciting new era in foreign language studies.
