Japan ties set to improve despite twists and turns

Free flow of talents, goods and information essential

To develop bilateral ties, the most important task for China and Japan is to cultivate talents that can act as a bridge between the two sides. In order to deepen mutual understanding, the two countries should encourage young people to learn from each other's language and culture, and participate in bilateral exchanges to enhance their knowledge and understanding of each other.

Instead of closing their doors, Japan and China should maintain free flow of not only people, goods and funds, but also various kinds of information. A Japan-China relationship based on such a principle will be the greatest wealth to both countries.

Yasuhiro Matsuda is a professor at the University of Tokyo.