As the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) marks its 10th anniversary, young visionaries are spotlighting cross-cultural connections through shared architectural heritage. Among them is Takaya Inoue, a Japanese student at Tsinghua University in Beijing, whose academic journey underlines the initiative’s role in fostering global youth collaboration.
Inoue, a former member of Tsinghua’s Student Association of Belt and Road Initiative, highlights striking parallels between traditional Chinese and Japanese designs, from curved tiled roofs to the symbolic use of wood and stone. “Both cultures emphasize harmony with nature,” he told CGTN, citing visits to Beijing’s historic Hutongs and Kyoto’s temples as inspiration for cross-border dialogue.
The BRI, framed as a catalyst for sustainable international cooperation, has amplified cultural exchanges between China and Japan. Inoue’s participation in workshops and film screenings at Tsinghua reflects Gen Z’s drive to blend historical preservation with modern innovation. “Young people today aren’t just observers—we’re building bridges,” he said.
With 152 countries now part of the BRI network, projects spanning infrastructure to green energy have created new avenues for peer-to-peer learning. For travelers, architects, and digital nomads, these ties offer fresh insights into East Asia’s evolving cultural identity.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
