On October 19, 2024, the opening ceremony of “Nishihara Haruo Comparative Law Library” was held at the KoGuan Law Building of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The event was co-hosted by KoGuan School of Law, Institute of Clean Government and Rule of Law, the Japan Research Center of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and the Law Library of KoGuan School of Law. Scholars from China and Japan gathered to commemorate Mr. Nishihara's academic contributions and valuable spirit, and to engage in in-depth discussions on the exchange and development of criminal law between China and Japan, as well as experiences in building comparative law libraries. More than 40 Chinese and Japanese experts, scholars and guests attended the conference, including Jia Yu, President of China Criminal Law Research Association and Shanghai Higher People's Court; Huang Xiangqing, Deputy Director of Shanghai CPPCC Social Law Committee and Chief Researcher of Institute of Clean Government and Rule of Law; Masahiko Gemma, Vice President of Waseda University; Takahashi Norio, Emeritus Professor; Kitagawa Kayoko, Professor of Law Department; Nishihara Yasuko and Nishihara Masaho, representative of the Nishihara Haruo Family and Zhou Cheng, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Ji Weidong, Senior Professor of Liberal Arts, Director of the Japan Research Center of Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Peng Chengxin, Dean of KoGuan School of Law; Xie Zhitao, Party Secretary of KoGuan School of Law; Cheng Jinhua, distinguished professor and library director of Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Yu Gaizhi, distinguished professor and Executive Director of the Institute of Clean Government and Rule of Law. The opening ceremony of the conference and the unveiling ceremony of the library were presided over by Peng Chengxin and Xie Zhitao respectively.

Opening Ceremony

President Jia Yu, representing the China Criminal Law Research Association, congratulated the establishment of the library and the convening of the seminar, expressing gratitude for the presence of Japanese experts. He shared his long-standing relationship with Mr. Nishihara, recalling the deep friendship established through academic exchanges. He particularly mentioned the launch of the Contemporary Japanese Criminal Law Translation Series which has fostered deeper cooperation between Chinese and Japanese criminal law. He hopes that the “Nishihara Haruo Comparative Law Library” will become an important platform for Sino-Japanese legal exchanges and looks forward to deepening collaboration between the criminal law circles of both countries through this seminar, jointly promoting the prosperity and development of criminal law theory.

Deputy Secretary Zhou Cheng, on behalf of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, welcomed scholars from both China and abroad. He spoke highly of Mr. Nishihara for promoting Sino-Japanese academic exchanges, supporting the cultivation of young talents, and maintaining mutual visits between the criminal law communities of both countries. He introduced the background of the establishment of the library, stating that the library is not only a memorial to Mr. Nishihara’s academic achievements, but also a symbol of the sustainable development of Sino-Japanese academic exchanges. Finally, he expressed his gratitude to all parties for their efforts to facilitate the completion of the library and hoped that by cherishing and inheriting Mr. Nishihara’s collection, China and Japan would continue to promote academic exchanges and uphold the spirit of peace and justice.

On behalf of Waseda University, Masahiko Gemma, Vice President of Waseda University in Japan, congratulated the establishment of “Nishihara Haruo Comparative Law Library”. He spoke highly of Mr. Nishihara’s contribution to promoting academic exchanges between China and Japan during his tenure as President of Waseda University, especially strengthening cooperation with well-known Chinese universities like Shanghai Jiao Tong University. He believes that the library will become a gathering place for future legal scholars and practitioners, carrying on the noble spirit and extensive academic influence of Mr. Nishihara. He extended his respects to all faculty and students at Shanghai Jiao Tong University as well as relevant individuals, and looked forward to deepening cooperation between Waseda University and the Chinese academic community.

Mr. Nishihara Masahiro, as the representative of the Nishihara Haruo family, recalled his grandfather Nishihara’s deep affection for China. He emphasized that his grandfather was highly concerned about Sino-Japanese relations and consistently worked tirelessly for the friendly exchanges between the two countries. “Nishihara Haruo Comparative Law Library” houses his grandfather’s lifelong academic achievements and wisdom, which he hoped would play a significant role in cultural exchange.

Unveiling Ceremony

In the presence of all the distinguished guests, Vice President Haruhiko Kawai and Dean Chengxin Peng unveiled the “Nishihara Haruo Comparative Law Library”. After the unveiling ceremony, the guests moved to visit the library and took a group photo. Subsequently, an academic seminar on the “Sino-Japanese Criminal Law Exchange” was held. The seminar was divided into three sessions: “Nishihara Haruo and Sino-Japanese Criminal Law Exchange” “Research on Nishihara Haruo’s Criminal Law Theory” and “Construction of the Comparative Law Library”. It facilitated meaningful academic collaboration in Sino-Japanese criminal law, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas that strengthened the ties between scholars from both countries, paving the way for deeper mutual understanding and cooperation in the realm of criminal law.