We've got a lot to introduce this week, so let's not waste any more time. 

Programme 1: http://english.cri.cn/4026/2007/05/30/1241@232916.htm

In Wednesday's People in the Know, a daily English interview show, we had a rare treat – the opportunity to listen to the opinion of a scholar proficient in Chinese, Japanese and English. Perhaps because of her broad perspective, Wu2 Yong3mei3 actually spoke rather diplomatically. But she did offer some insights into the nature of contemporary relations between China and Japan. She spoke of a gulf between popular and academic perceptions of Japan:

"Japanese education in our country tends to be focused only on language teaching or Japanese literary analysis, paying little attention to introducing Japan's culture and its social system."

She also said:

"Comics, electronic games and TV dramas have had enormous influence on Chinese young people, in a variety of aspects."

People in the Know also interviewed Mr. Ide Keiji, spokesperson for the Japanese Embassy in Beijing. He also spoke of his desire to improve people's awareness of the nature of contemporary Japan. Here he is, amusing the show's host, Paul James:

"When speaking with Chinese people, I try to explain. I explain the new Japanese constitution - how it is different from the previous one. But I cannot meet 1.3 billion Chinese people, to explain. So, my efforts, I must admit, have a limited impact."

For him, the problem lies in the fact that the two peoples rarely get the chance to actually meet in person.

"Maybe it's difficult to analyse where they get such a bad image about Japan. But many Chinese people who had never visited Japan, once they have visited Japan– all of them say: Ah, Japan is not such a bad country, and Japanese people re not so bad, after all."

This question of misconceptions is actually very close to what was discussed earlier in Listener's Garden. Keiji San's conclusion also seems reflected in the opinion of Wu Yong Mei.
 
"We do not want our kids to dislike and hate each other. We hope to create a peaceful and friendly relationship for our descendants. What we can do is to promote such friendship at the private level."