Sachiko Yoshimura, head of Global Communications for Expo 2025 Osaka, has applauded the China Pavilion's role in enhancing Japan-China people-to-people connections and facilitating mutual business exchanges.
In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) aired on Friday, Yoshimura noted that through this event, China and Japan could forge closer ties in culture, academia, research and commerce.
She said the Expo saw extraordinary engagement from Chinese media outlets.
"The Chinese media were [in] the most, largest numbers, I mean, to [in] the Expo's services. So we are so happy about [it] as well," Yoshimura said.
She highlighted the China Pavilion's diverse activities, emphasizing how the weekly exhibitions featuring different Chinese provinces, have made a profound impact on visitors.
"So that shows that the Chinese pavilion has showcased many of China in different ways. So maybe we do have information on maybe large cities, but also this was a great time to actually share our culture and also [to showcase other] provinces of China," said the official.
"Also, there were many academies coming as well. So there were exchanges, doing seminars. And so it was a very good chance for the Japanese -- and we have international businesses as well -- to actually enjoy ethnic talking about many people's opinions on the Chinese side and Japanese side. So there were all kinds of communication there, and also there were many business delegations coming as well," she added.
According to the official, although the Expo itself lasts only six months, its lasting impact matters more.
"So it was great for culture and actual exchanging people by people, and also there were many business opportunities for Japanese companies and Chinese companies working together,” she said.
Friday July 11 marks the China Pavilion Day of Expo 2025 Osaka. Since its opening, China Pavilion has hosted over 20 events showcasing Chinese cities and businesses, attracting more than 77,000 visitors -- including over 200 officials and notable guests, from 75 countries and regions.
Expo 2025 Osaka runs from April 13 to October 13.
China Pavilion boosts cultural, business ties with Japan: Osaka Expo official
A former television host from Taiwan, Zhai Xuan, has made a pivotal decision to leave mainstream broadcasting in order to create content that provides a better understanding of the Chinese mainland and cross-strait relations.
Zhai, a seasoned television host with over a decade of experience in Taiwan's media landscape, recently addressed an audience at an event in Beijing, where she revealed her complete transition into independent online media.
In her remarks, she articulated her aspiration to bridge what she perceives as a significant information gap between audiences on both sides of the Strait, highlighting her commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and connection through her new endeavors.
"I was really surprised by all the fake news. There were stories saying people on the mainland can't afford tea eggs or that they live in mud houses and in Taiwan, this was the main information many people received," said Zhai.
Zhai said she initially began producing online videos to challenge such perceptions while continuing her work as a television host.
In April 2025, she travelled to the mainland with her father to fulfill her late grandfather's wish to return to his hometown. The trip, which reunited family members separated since 1949, was recorded in a video series titled "Journey to Find Our Roots", drawing attention from viewers in both Taiwan and the mainland.
"Many people in Taiwan told me that after watching, they wanted to apply for a mainland travel permit immediately and go looking for their relatives. Some had long forgotten these things, but after seeing my story, they began thinking about their hometowns and family members they had never met and decided to search for their roots," Zhai shared her story at the event.
By mid-2025, Zhai said she began to feel increasing pressure amid rising political tensions and a tightening atmosphere around cross-Strait exchanges in Taiwan.
After more than 12 years in the industry, Zhai resigned from her position, believing it was the right thing to do.
"At that moment, I felt this was a major issue，not just for me, but for Chinese people on both sides of the Strait. If I backed down then, I wouldn’t be standing on the right side," said Zhai.
Since leaving television, Zhai has broadened her online programming to encompass a range of daily-life topics, including practical guidance on applying for a mainland travel permit and using commonly employed mobile applications, in addition to content that delves into historical memory and cultural connections across the Strait.
As the debate over cross-Strait relations continues in Taiwan, Zhai said she remains committed to her current path.
Former Taiwan TV host bridges cross-Strait divide via online media
