In June, a university student from Wuhan wrote a letter to 21st Century, a national weekly for people in their teens and 20s.
'I love Japanese popular culture very much, including its pop music, fashion, TV series and comics or animation,' the letter writer said. 'Some friends say I am Harizu, which is a very popular saying in China today. It means that I am very fond of Japan. They even joke that I must have been a traitor during the wars. But I think my love and loyalty to my country will not conflict with my interests.'
She speaks for many younger Chinese people who increasingly find their attitudes towards Japan's fashion, entertainment and economy in conflict with the Japan that they are supposed to hate because of its murderous World War II-era invasion of China and lack of a clear public apology since then.
Mainland university students enjoy video games such as the Pearl of Nine Dragons, fashion such as Hello Kitty, music by Nariko, cartoons such as Star Fighter and War in Heaven and Japanese-language classes.
Some put trust in Japan's economy and study the language so they can trade with Japan after graduation. Others just like the culture. 'As for Hello Kitty, I think that we Chinese and Japanese have a similar sense of beauty, therefore many Chinese girls take it as a lovely figure,' said Beijing college student Jiang Xin.
The two peoples also share interests in trade, science, art and literature.
