Japanese Media: Japanese Study Abroad Fairs in Multiple Chinese Cities Abruptly Postponed, Allegedly Due to Official Pressure
Japanese media reports that Japanese study abroad promotion events scheduled for mid-April in Shanghai and other Chinese cities were abruptly postponed just before opening. Multiple sources suggest that official pressure is behind this, indicating that Japan-China relations remain severe nearly half a year after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on a 'Taiwan contingency.'
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- 📰 Published: May 4, 2026 at 18:06
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Tokyo, May 4 (CNA) The Asahi Shimbun reported that Japanese study abroad promotion events, originally scheduled to be held in Shanghai and other Chinese cities in mid-April, were abruptly postponed just before their opening. Multiple sources revealed that the postponement was allegedly due to official pressure. Analysts suggest that nearly half a year after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on a 'Taiwan contingency' in parliament, Japan-China relations remain severe.
The report stated that the postponed event was the "3rd Japan University China Tour Education Exhibition," organized by a Japanese private organization, originally scheduled to start on April 11 in Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu successively. The event gathered about 50 Japanese universities and language schools, aiming to introduce course content and explain application procedures to prospective students interested in studying in Japan. A total of about 2,000 participants were expected across the three locations.
However, the organizers issued a notice to relevant institutions on April 9, stating that the event was postponed "due to irresistible factors." Multiple informed sources revealed that "(Chinese) authorities contacted hotels and other venues, requesting that related events not be held," thereby obstructing the plan.
After Sanae Takaichi made remarks related to a 'Taiwan contingency' in November last year, the Chinese Ministry of Education immediately urged Chinese citizens to carefully consider studying in Japan. Analysts suggest that this postponement might also reflect local authorities' compliance with central policies.
An operator engaged in Japanese study abroad dispatch services for over 25 years admitted, "I have never seen political issues have such a direct impact on civilian exchanges in the past."
Furthermore, according to relevant universities, some exchange student programs based on inter-university agreements have also been suspended after the Chinese authorities' stance became tougher. (Editor: Tang Shengyang) 1150504
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The report stated that the postponed event was the "3rd Japan University China Tour Education Exhibition," organized by a Japanese private organization, originally scheduled to start on April 11 in Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu successively. The event gathered about 50 Japanese universities and language schools, aiming to introduce course content and explain application procedures to prospective students interested in studying in Japan. A total of about 2,000 participants were expected across the three locations.
However, the organizers issued a notice to relevant institutions on April 9, stating that the event was postponed "due to irresistible factors." Multiple informed sources revealed that "(Chinese) authorities contacted hotels and other venues, requesting that related events not be held," thereby obstructing the plan.
After Sanae Takaichi made remarks related to a 'Taiwan contingency' in November last year, the Chinese Ministry of Education immediately urged Chinese citizens to carefully consider studying in Japan. Analysts suggest that this postponement might also reflect local authorities' compliance with central policies.
An operator engaged in Japanese study abroad dispatch services for over 25 years admitted, "I have never seen political issues have such a direct impact on civilian exchanges in the past."
Furthermore, according to relevant universities, some exchange student programs based on inter-university agreements have also been suspended after the Chinese authorities' stance became tougher. (Editor: Tang Shengyang) 1150504
Choose to stand with facts; your every sponsorship empowers press freedom.
Download CNA's "Firsthand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
All text, images, and videos on this website are not to be reproduced, broadcast, or transmitted publicly without authorization.