China-Japan Ties: Chinese school in Kobe passes on traditions and friendship

World
Europe

In the port city of Kobe in Japan, a Chinese school is celebrating its 120th anniversary. Throughout the years, the school has educated numerous students and served as a bridge between China and Japan. CGTN'S Zheng Yibing has more.

A campus bathed in the bright sunshine of western Japan's city of Kobe. It looks like other schools perhaps but this one is unique.

ZHENG YIBING KOBE, JAPAN "On this beautiful campus,we find many Chinese elements which aim to pass such traditions and culture onto students."

Various courses are taught in Chinese. It's a challenge for students who are born in Japan, but they're trying hard to learn.

STUDENT KOBE CHINESE SCHOOL "I began learning Chinese folk music when I was in the fourth grade, and I have been practicing on the loquat (musical instrument) for six years."

STUDENT KOBE CHINESE SCHOOL "I painted that peony when I was a student in the third grade. I am so proud."

The school was founded 120 years ago when a Chinese intellectual Liang Qichao visited Kobe and inspired the Chinese there to set up a school for children.

ZHANG SHUZHOU HEADMASTER, KOBE CHINESE SCHOOL "Children of overseas Chinese living in Kobe back then began to have a place to learn Chinese history and geography. This is what we called the passing-on of the cultural heritage."

After graduation, these students will take the entrance examination to get into high school and college, and then go to different corners of the Japanese society.

ZHANG SHUZHOU HEADMASTER, KOBE CHINESE SCHOOL "Our graduates include Miss Lin Liyun, who served as the translator for Chinese leaders back in 1972 when China and Japan normalized their ties."

Throughout years, the school has experienced twists and turns, but never ceased to pass on Chinese values of solidarity, friendship and mutual love. And it hopes to continue to do so. Zheng Yibing, CGTN, in Kobe, Japan.