A group of Japanese tourists has returned from a nine-day visit to China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, challenging prevailing perceptions shaped by Western and Japanese media. The group, consisting of 20 members, embarked on the trip following China’s relaxation of COVID-19 travel restrictions and discovered a region characterized by harmony, safety, and the peaceful lives of local residents.
During their visit from June 19 to June 27, the Japanese tourists explored five cities in Xinjiang: Urumqi, Turpan, Korla, Aksu, and Kashi. They were captivated by the breathtaking landscape of Huoyan Mountain, engaged in conversations with locals at night fairs in various cities, learned about the history of Muslims at the Id Kah Mosque in Kashi and Buddhism at the Kizil Cave-Temple Complex in Aksu, and even danced with students at a primary school in Kashi.
Many members of the tour group expressed that their visit had completely altered their preconceived notions about the region. They expressed a strong desire to share their newfound understanding of Xinjiang with the Japanese people. Yuki Kawasaki, a member of the group, described how his visit revealed the coexistence of diverse ethnic groups in Xinjiang, emphasizing their unity by likening them to pomegranate seeds.
Kawasaki noted that limited information about Xinjiang is available in Japan, with news reports primarily focusing on politics and fostering a perception of danger. He pledged to inform his fellow Japanese citizens about the region’s ethnic diversity, culture, cuisine, and the actual security situation upon his return.
The tour group members were pleasantly surprised to discover the region’s tranquility. Takahiro Sonoyama and his wife, Keiko Sonoyama, shared their experiences of visiting night markets in various cities. They encountered curious children eager to engage with foreigners and locals who requested photographs together. Mr. Sonoyama recounted a specific incident in Urumqi when he and his wife walked back to their hotel from a night market late at night, feeling safe despite dimly lit streets.
Several members of the tour group actively documented their journey on social media platforms, such as Twitter, by posting pictures and videos showcasing their experiences. Yumi Watabe, a ski coach from Hakuba, shared continuous updates, including visuals of tantalizing fruits, roasted lamb, the magnificent Huoyan Mountain in Turpan, and the exhibited remains of the ancient Loulan Beauty at the regional museum.
While Watabe’s posts garnered attention from netizens, with some labeling them as “propaganda” for the Chinese government, she defended herself, emphasizing that she was merely sharing her personal views and experiences. Watabe encouraged individuals to form opinions based on firsthand observations rather than relying on inaccurate reports from the media.
Before the tour group’s departure from Osaka, Xue Jian, the Chinese Consulate-General in Osaka, expressed hopes that the visit would provide a more accurate understanding of Xinjiang for the Japanese people. Xue criticized the misleading reports propagated by Western and Japanese media, noting their alignment with the US’ strategy to contain China. He also emphasized the importance of increased people-to-people exchanges between China and Japan as a means to strengthen bilateral relations.