Chinese President Hu Jintao is scheduled to arrive in Japan on Tuesday for a four-day official visit. It is the first trip by a Chinese president to Japan in a decade. In interviews with CRI, several Chinese media agencies in Japan say the upcoming visit ushers in a new era of improving Sino-Japanese relations. CRI's Zheng Chenguang reports.

Reporter:

The Tokyo-based Chubun is one of the biggest Chinese newspapers in Japan. Its chief editor Luo Yiwen says the paper will devote an entire page to cover President Hu Jintao's upcoming visit.

"Overseas Chinese and the Chinese media in Japan have high expectations from President Hu Jintao's visit. We believe the visit will have far-reaching significance. This is the first trip by a Chinese president since Sino-Japanese relations started improving. We hope this visit will further boost ties between the two countries."

The Chinese Weekly is mainly targeted at overseas Chinese and students. Its deputy-chief Long Lihua says Hu Jintao's visit to Japan will promote healthy co-operation between the two countries.

"As part of the Chinese media in Japan, I can say that many of our readers show great interest in President Hu Jintao's visit. China and Japan were at odds some time ago. But a visit to China by the then Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe followed by a reciprocal visit by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, helped thaw relations and signal a new age of Sino-Japanese co-operation. This is what the overseas Chinese in Japan have expected and look forward to."

The Journal of Chinese in Japan has published a number of books on China. Its chief Duan Yuezhong says he hopes the president's visit will open a new chapter in bilateral relations.

"Great progress has taken place among the overseas Chinese in Japan, especially in terms of academics, education and research. The president's visit is not just a push for Sino-Japanese relations but also an encouragement for overseas Chinese to continue working hard and reach new heights."

Duan Yuezhong also says that over 2 million Japanese are currently learning Chinese in Japan. It is expected that Hu Jintao's visit will prompt more Japanese to learn Chinese, which will enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples.

Zheng Chenguang, CRI news.