In this business trip, I had the opportunity to visit technology companies with proven track records in smart cockpits and LIDAR. ‘Japanese quality’ and ‘Chinese speed’ are both valid approaches. I will continue working to achieve a combination of the two. Regarding the ‘China-Japan (Suzhou) Local Development Cooperation Demonstration Zone’ exchange project, which I have been promoting since the year before last, it has been decided that it will continue this year as a private-sector initiative. I deeply admire the wise decision of all those involved.

I was invited to attend the Fuji Trade Council and delivered a lecture on “Japan–China Relations in the 21st Century.”

I was invited to the Changjiang Business School New Year Learning Forum to deliver a lecture on recent China–Japan relations, and will continue to explore practical approaches to cooperation in response to the evolving situation.

In many respects, it felt like a cold wave had arrived. Nevertheless, I visited Shanghai and Suzhou and held discussions with friends in local governments as well as with our clients. When it comes to practical matters and business alike, everyone shares the same desire to keep moving things forward.

I visited Guangzhou in mid-November and Suzhou in early December.
Although Japan–China relations are somewhat cloudy at the moment, the weather was bright during my trip, and our business discussions progressed smoothly.