From Shanghai to Osaka: Ultraman's 60th anniversary celebrates China-Japan cultural synergy

July 11 marks Chinese National Pavilion Day at Expo 2025 Osaka, further opening up new opportunities for China-Japan trade and cultural exchanges.

Coinciding with this event, Ultraman – the iconic anime series that has long been a symbol of cultural ties between China and Japan – has launched a series of activities to commemorate its 60th anniversary in 2026, including a themed exhibition in Shanghai.

In an exclusive interview with CGTN, Masayuki Nagatake, representative director and president of Tsuburaya Productions, praised the company's decades-long cooperation with Chinese partners, noting that the Ultraman series conveys messages of "courage, hope and kindness."

He emphasized that upholding timeless values while engaging with new themes that resonate with each era is key to the series' enduring appeal.

On tourism, China announced the waiver of visa requirements for passport holders from Japan and eight other countries starting November 30, 2024, a move that has been well-received by the tourism market.

This initiative aligns with China's broader efforts to promote inbound tourism, facilitate business and people-to-people exchanges, and enhance its global openness.

Additionally, China, Japan and South Korea have agreed to designate 2025 and 2026 as the China-Japan-South Korea Cultural Exchange Years.