On [Date], the forum "Inheriting the Spirit of Expo, Promoting People-to-People Exchange between China and Japan" was successfully held at the multi-function hall of the Pullman Shanghai Hongqiao hotel in Shanghai. Organized jointly by First Financial Media and the Expo Museum, the forum brought together numerous guests from government, associations, enterprises, and social public service sectors to discuss the inheritance and development of the Expo spirit, as well as the opportunities for cooperation in economic and cultural fields through people-to-people exchange between China and Japan, injecting new momentum into promoting friendly cooperation between the two countries.

The spirit of the World Expo and the exchanges between Chinese and Japanese civilians have attracted significant attention. Luo Zhisong, Chief Economist of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, stated in his speech that the World Expo has cultivated a large number of convention and exhibition talents for Shanghai, enhancing the city's internationalization level. At the same time, he emphasized that civilian exchanges play a crucial foundational role in promoting bilateral economic and trade development. Data shows that Japan is the third-largest source of investment for Shanghai, with cumulative investments exceeding several billion dollars. There are over several thousand Japanese-invested enterprises in Shanghai, including more than several hundred regional headquarters of multinational companies and several hundred research and development centers. Additionally, Japan is the third-largest source of imports and the fourth-largest export market for Shanghai. Last year, the trade volume between Shanghai and Japan accounted for nearly a certain percentage of the city's total, and Shanghai's investment in Japan also exceeded several billion dollars.

During his speech at the opening ceremony, Mr. Du Jian, Deputy General Manager of First Financial, representing the host, stated that the China International Import Expo (CIIE) and the World Expo are tasked with promoting international understanding and win-win cooperation. First Financial provided full coverage during the World Expo and will collaborate deeply with the World Expo Museum during the Osaka World Expo to build an international exchange platform, fostering Sino-Japanese corporate cooperation and cultural exchange. He emphasized that under the new development paradigm, China and Japan have broad cooperation opportunities in global issues such as technological innovation and sustainable development.

Zhou Hanmin, a member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, former vice chairman of the Central Committee of the China Democratic建国会, vice chairman of the 13th Shanghai Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and president of the Shanghai Public Diplomacy Association, delivered a keynote speech titled "From the World Expo to the CIIE: Promoting High-Level Opening-Up." He reviewed the grand occasion of the Shanghai World Expo, which themed on cities, attracted sovereign countries and international organizations, with million visitors, setting unprecedented scales and influences. He elaborated on the essence of the Expo spirit, including people-oriented, cultural diversity, technological innovation, win-win cooperation, and future orientation. Zhou Hanmin particularly mentioned Japan's active participation in the Shanghai World Expo, where the Japan Pavilion themed "Harmony of Hearts, Harmony of Skills" showcased rich culture and technological prowess, and its joint industrial pavilion became a highlight of exchanges. He emphasized that people-to-people exchanges between China and Japan should be heartfelt and sincere, focusing on youth and the elderly to promote the long-term development of friendly relations between the two countries.

Jing Ying, First-Level Inspector of the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and President of the Shanghai International Exchange Promotion Association for Social Organizations, shared the origins of the theme " " and Shanghai's proactive exploration during the World Expo bidding process in her speech on "Strengthening People-to-People Exchanges between China and Japan, Promoting Local Cooperation in the New Era." Through the cultural symbol of the crested ibis, she told stories of ecological protection and cultural exchange between China and Japan. The Shanghai dance drama "Crested Ibis" caused a sensation in Japan, conveying environmental protection concepts and enhancing emotional exchanges between the peoples of the two countries. This "bird of peace" will continue to convey friendly sentiments at the China International Import Expo and the Osaka World Expo.

Director Liu Wentao of the World Expo Museum introduced the museum's development journey and its efforts in inheriting the spirit of the World Expo. Since its opening in , the museum has received over million visitors from both China and abroad. Through organizing exhibitions, launching cultural products, and conducting brand activities, it has played a significant role in cultural heritage, education popularization, and international exchange. She also revealed that the World Expo Museum is actively preparing to participate in the Osaka World Expo, showcasing the history of the World Expo's contribution to sustainable development and urban sustainable utilization cases, and looks forward to the attention and support from all parties.

Masanobu Tokashiki, Chief Representative of the Osaka International Economic Promotion Center Shanghai Office, reflected on the anniversary of the sister city relationship between Shanghai and Osaka, highlighting the fruitful exchanges in various fields such as economy, culture, and sports. Looking ahead to the Osaka-Kansai Expo in , he introduced the theme, scale, and innovative highlights of the Expo, such as its maritime location, large roof structures, next-generation mobility methods, and carbon neutrality technology displays. He expressed that Osaka aims to strengthen cooperation with countries around the world, promote innovation and exchange, and drive local development through the Expo. He also looks forward to more frequent exchanges and cooperation with Shanghai in the future.

In the roundtable discussion session, Lin Hao, founder of TASOGARE Coffee, Xiong Shishi, partner of Hejun Consulting, and Wang Yuxin, assistant president and head of Yingfan Technology, explored the "New Opportunities for Sino-Japanese Business Exchange and Cooperation under the Guidance of Expo Spirit." Lin Hao shared the brand culture and entrepreneurial journey of TASOGARE Coffee, stating that the brand name was inspired by his love for Japanese culture and his recognition of the value of "unity in diversity." The popularity of drip coffee reflects the common pursuit of ritualistic sensibilities in Chinese and Japanese tea cultures. He also introduced the intention behind opening a flagship store in Osaka, hoping to build a bridge for Sino-Japanese business exchange. Xiong Shishi analyzed the opportunities and challenges for Chinese brands entering the Japanese market. She noted that Chinese enterprises focusing on product quality and brand connotation are more competitive in the Japanese market. At the same time, Chinese companies need to adjust their product and brand strategies according to Japanese consumer needs, paying attention to product details, functional optimization, and emotional value transmission to meet the demands of Japan's mature market. During the discussion, the guests also compared the consumption habits of young people in China and Japan, believing that both countries' youth pursue individuality, but there is still much room for exploration and development in how Chinese young people express their individuality. Japan's offline retail market is rich and diverse, with consumers emphasizing personalized experiences, while China's e-commerce economy is developing rapidly but also faces issues of product homogenization. Looking ahead, the guests expect Sino-Japanese enterprises to strengthen exchange and cooperation with an open mindset. Chinese enterprises should leverage their strengths, uphold the spirit of mutual benefit, learn from Japan's long-termism culture, and export technological innovation achievements, jointly promoting the business cooperation between the two countries to new heights.

The successful hosting of this forum has established an important platform for civil exchanges and business cooperation between China and Japan. The in-depth discussions and sharing by guests from various sectors have provided new ideas and directions for future cooperation between the two countries in the fields of economy, culture, and beyond, contributing to the sustained development of friendly cooperation between China and Japan.