In the midst of the novel coronavirus, Covid-19 crisis happening in Japan and around the world, Guangxi University, China kindly offered to send face masks to the International Engagement Division, the Student Affairs Department, Gifu University, and we received 2,000 masks (50 per box) on April 15, 2020. Guangxi University and Gifu University signed the agreement on exchange in 1986 and have been enjoying thriving friendship for years.

The masks were sent from the International Exchange Department of Guangxi University by air as a token of gratitude for Japan. When Covid-19 was starting to hit China hardest, many Japanese volunteers and charity organizations sent medical supplies to China to show their support and solidarity to fight against this deadly pathogen.

On the surface of a cardboard box, there is a message for Gifu University. It is part of a poem composed by Wang Xiaolian who served for Balhae (698-926), a multi-ethnic kingdom in Manchuria, the Korean peninsula and the Russian Far East. He came to Japan in 814 and made the poem. It read, "Who says we are separated by a thousand li? For it casts its light upon both of us, each in a different land!" His poem reminds us that the relationship between Guangxi University and Gifu University remains strong beyond geographical distances. The masks will be distributed to the University Hospital and daycare centers on campus.