The Japanese government extended a sincere welcome to President Hu Jintao after he officially started his state visit to the country. People from both countries also have set high expectations for the event. They say the Chinese president's first visit to Japan in a decade will push Sino-Japanese relations to a new stage. Our reporter Shuang Feng has more.

Reporter:

Prior to President Hu Jintao's landmark visit, CRI conducted a poll, which received responses from more than 3,000 people from all walks of life across Japan.

The survey found that over eighty percent of respondents hold positive attitudes towards Sino-Japanese relations. More than 55 percent of them say that Sino-Japanese relations are improving.

Yoshimura Sumiyo is a lecturer at Japan's Doshisha University.

"President Hu Jintao's visit has a deep meaning. It will indeed boost Japanese people's friendship with the Chinese people. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to Japan last year was an ice-breaking journey. I hope the thawed water can gather to form a surging river of friendly sentiments."

Like Yoshimura Sumiyo, many respondents in Japan say they want to have face-to-face communication with the Chinese president, and exchange views on calligraphy, tea ceremonies, and ping-pong games.

In China, people also expect Hu Jintao's visit will enhance friendship between the two countries.
Feng Xin is a college student at Shanghai Normal University:

"I hope this visit will improve Sino-Japanese relations and enhance communication between the two countries. Given the global context, it is very important for a country to cooperate with her neighbors. I think a win-win situation between China and Japan will benefit the development of Asia and the world economy."

Kobayashi Yotaro is the chairman of Japan's Fuji Xerox Company and head of a China-Japan friendship association.

He says he's most concerned about cooperation in environmental protection.

"Upon President Hu's visit to Japan, we hope that leaders from both countries would have thorough discussions on curbing environmental problems. China and Japan should make joint efforts in this field, and try to set good examples for countries around the world."

Tie Yanyan is a primary school teacher in Beijing:

"President Hu Jintao's visit to Japan will build a friendship bridge among Chinese and Japanese youth. I have been to Japan, and as far as I know, Japanese young people are friendly and many of them really like China. "

During the visit, Hu Jintao will meet with Japan's Emperor Akihito and hold talks with Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda.

The president will also have "broad contacts" with leaders of Japan's parliament, political parties and people from other circles to discuss issues of common concern.

The Chinese President is expected to conclude his visit to Japan on Saturday.

Shuang Feng, CRI news.