#Japan #Tokyo #East-West Civilizational Dialogue #Comparative Mutual Appreciation #Asia-Pacific Tourism

Scholarly Symposium on East-West Civilizational Dialogue

On July 22, 2025, a significant symposium took place in Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo at the Multicultural Hall. This event marked the third anniversary of the publication of "Comparative Mutual Appreciation of East and West Civilizations" by author Pan Yue. The symposium was aimed at examining the academic and social impact of the book, as well as deepening the dialogue between Eastern and Western civilizations in this new era. Additionally, it sought to advance scholarly thought and cultural exchange.

Co-hosts and Attendance

The symposium was co-hosted by the Japan Asia Community Cultural Cooperation Organization and the Asia-Pacific Tourism Company. It was realized with the support of various organizations, including the Chinese General Association of Enterprises in Japan and the Zhou Enlai Peace Research Institute. Approximately 30 attendees included prominent figures from Japan and China, notably Huang Xingyuan, the representative from the Japan-China Friendship Association, and Tanaka Tetsuji, president of the Japan Institute of China Studies.

Opening Remarks

The event began with an opening address conducted by Yuji Miyamoto, a former Japanese ambassador to China and current president of the Japan-China Friendship Association. He discussed the significance of East-West dialogue and represented the co-hosting organizations.

Session One: Lectures

Theme: "East-West Dialogue through Scholars: How Can Eastern Civilization Contribute to the Modern World?"

Moderator: Wang Min (Professor Emeritus of Hosei University)

The first panel featured a variety of distinguished speakers:

• - Yuji Miyamoto (as previously mentioned)
• - Tao Demin (Professor Emeritus at Kansai University and researcher at the Toyo Bunko)
• - Kazuo Ogura (Former Ambassador to France and Special Guest Professor at Aoyama Gakuin University)
• - Lou Xiaoqi (Executive President of the Capital Civilization Project Foundation and president of 'Civilization' magazine, visiting from China)

Participants addressed diverse topics, including the coexistence of Eastern and Western civilizations in the modern world, historical wisdom for inter-civilization dialogue, possibilities for solidarity in Asia, and what it means to understand Chinese civilization.

Session Two: Panel Discussion

Moderator: Zhu Jianrong (Visiting Professor at Toyo Gakuen University)

This session included free discussion and Q&A with participants from the previous lectures along with moderator Wang Min. Engaging in lively debate, the speakers exchanged opinions on the commonalities between civilizations and collaborative approaches to global challenges from various perspectives.

Background and Significance of the Symposium

The symposium was initiated following the publication of the Japanese edition of Pan Yue's work in December 2021 by the Asia-Pacific Tourism Company. The event sparked international attention and deep discussions regarding East-West relations.

Context in International Society

With the rising need for dialogue between civilizations prompted by the Ukraine War and geopolitical conflicts, an increasing re-evaluation of Eastern civilizations is underway amid the ascendance of countries like China and India. Japan, as a unique society blending Eastern philosophy with Western values, is positioned as a bridging role between the East and West.

Amid concerns regarding clashes of civilizations, fostering East-West dialogue becomes essential for building a "community of shared human destiny" and a collaborative intellectual approach to global issues like AI and the SDGs.

Future Prospects and Expected Outcomes

The symposium seeks to promote the idea of "pluralistic unity and co-existing civilizations" within Japanese society, further deepen East-West civilizational dialogue, and enhance the social awareness and academic influence of "Comparative Mutual Appreciation of East and West Civilizations."