"The Japanese people very much appreciate Wen Jiabao's decision to visit Japan at this time.

Prime Minister Abe seems to understand the importance and difficulties in promoting the China-Japan relationship toward a normal direction.

When two countries have some issues to resolve, through discussion they can understand and trust each other.

Other than the nuclear problem on the Korean Peninsula and China-Japan economic cooperation, they have to find long-term issues of common interest in the future, such as an initiative toward global warming.

As to the historical issues, it is wise to put them in the hands of historians of both countries and to wait for their unified conclusions."

Daisaburo Hashizume

Professor of sociology, Graduate School of Decision Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology

"We receive lots of Chinese customers every day but if they do not speak Japanese or English we will not be able understand each other and do business.

Therefore we would like to learn to speak some Chinese as no one wants to lose a business opportunity.

We did not imagine the Chinese language would one day become so popular. We hope Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's Japan visit will bring more Chinese tourists to Japan and we will work hard to learn to speak Chinese to offer better service."

Yoko Honda (right), 25, and Mizuki Take , 24

Staff with telephone-renting company at Narita Airport

"As neighbors, China and Japan both have a long history. Although they have a period of bitter history in the near past, the two countries should look forward to improving bilateral friendship. Both countries need to enhance mutual cultural education and facilitate communication between the young people to reduce misunderstanding.

Premier Wen Jiabao's 'ice-thawing' trip will give a positive push to Sino-Japanese relations."

Li Nan

A student majoring in Japanese language at the University of International Business and Economics

"Although the political relationship between China and Japan became frozen, their economic relations have remained quite warm. The premier's current visit will give new impetus to the economic cooperation between the two countries.

High-level exchanges should play an active role in maintaining friendly relations between China and Japan."

Shi Hui

Secretary to the general manager of Gubei branch, Carrefour Shanghai

(China Daily 04/12/2007 page2)