As a key window for the university's humanities education and internationalization, the School of Foreign Languages partnered with universities and institutions in Osaka, Japan, to organize an overseas field study for 22 faculty and students from August 26 to September 1. This initiative, titled “Integration of Language Education and Global Competence in the AI Era,” coincided with the 45th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Shanghai and Osaka Prefecture in 2025.

Visiting Osaka University: Exploring Intelligence and the Future

During the visit to Osaka University, the delegation toured the Artificial Intelligence Robotics Research Laboratory (Ishiguro Lab) led by internationally renowned robotics scholar Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro and attended a special lecture by his team. Students gained in-depth insights into the laboratory's landmark achievements, including projects such as the bionic robot ERICA and Android U. During the exchange session, students engaged in in-depth discussions with lab researchers on topics such as “The Boundaries Between Artificial Intelligence and Humanity” and “Future Models of Coexistence Between Humans and Machines in Society.” Subsequently, faculty and student representatives from the International Exchange Office of Osaka University warmly welcomed the delegation, providing a systematic overview of the university's development, academic strengths, and diverse study abroad programs.

Exploring Centennial Enterprises: Heritage and Innovation

During the Osaka study tour, the delegation visited two century-old enterprises with profound heritage and significant global influence: Daikin Industries, Ltd. and Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. At Daikin, participants toured the TIC Forest Eco-Zone and associated laboratories, witnessing the company's ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and cutting-edge research. At Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., the delegation gained firsthand insight into the complete copper wire manufacturing process, witnessing the spirit of relentless pursuit of excellence cultivated over a century.
 
Exploring Expo Osaka: Co-Creating the Blueprint for Life's Future

The globally acclaimed Expo 2025 Osaka has now entered its fifth month of operation. The delegation divided into groups for an in-depth tour of the exposition. At the China Pavilion, students immersed themselves in an interactive experience blending ancient Chinese civilization with modern technology. Additionally, the Expo Association Headquarters arranged a special lecture for the project team. From the Expo Reception Hall on the 50th floor of the Osaka Prefectural Government Building, participants surveyed the panoramic expo grounds, gaining a vivid sense of its grand layout and visionary future.

Visiting the Consulate General: Sharing Insights and Commitments

The Chinese Consulate General in Osaka warmly received the project team. Deputy Consul General Wei Youmei and relevant consulate staff cordially met with student and faculty representatives, encouraging everyone to cherish this rare learning opportunity, enhance cross-cultural communication skills, and strive to become young talents with both patriotic spirit and global vision. During the symposium, students enthusiastically shared their observations and reflections from the study tour, while consulate staff offered valuable guidance and advice based on their own experiences.
 
The seven-day “Sailing Toward Dreams” Osaka study program concluded successfully through multi-dimensional visits and in-depth exchanges. It not only broadened the students' horizons in artificial intelligence, language education, and cross-cultural communication but also deepened their understanding of the close connection between personal development and national destiny, as well as technological progress and humanistic values, in the context of AI globalization.
 

During the Osaka visit, the team, led by Professor Jin Wenfeng, Head of the Japanese Language Department, and Zhang Xin, Foreign Affairs Secretary, held working meetings with Osaka University's International Japanese Studies Education Research Center of , the Japanese Language and Culture Education Center, and the East Asian Studies Center, accompanied by Professor Ma Ningxu from Osaka University's International Affairs Office. Both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on academic forums, faculty-student exchanges, and curriculum collaboration. They reached positive consensus on advancing research cooperation, expanding student exchange opportunities, and establishing long-term exchange mechanisms. This not only laid a solid foundation for deepening practical collaboration between the two universities but also opened new avenues for further expanding academic exchanges and talent development in the future.