JSL for Chinese students

JSL(Japanese as Second Language) for Chinese students?

Back at my college years in China, at early 1990s, Japanese language, along with French and Germany, were handily picked as 2nd language for language students. The reason, Japan is being China's next door neighbor, and there were more Japanese exchange students studying in China than other courtiers except Hong Kong or Taiwan.

However, since then, everything has changed. Good, old Sino-Japan friendship is long gone, as a recent survey indicates, 70% of Chinese and Japanese dislike each other. Besides, Chinese language has gained worldwide popularity thanks to China's ever growing economy, and Americans and Europeans flood to China. Not Surprisingly, Japanese language is losing its usual attractiveness among Chinese students.

However, to improve understanding and ties between Japan and China, solid language training is vital. That's why Tokyo Broadcasting System, a TV network in Tokyo signs contacts with China Media University. TBS will train Chinese journalist, and Chinese students will have Japanese as a second language.

I hope there is a day when Chinese students will choose Japanese as Second language without conditions.