On 24 March 2017, Mr NUMANO Nobuno of the Japan Foundation visited IEAS and discussed with Professor Wang Yong on future development. IEAS is an oversea institution under the key support of the Japan Foundation. By making use of its Heart-to Heart in Hangzhou as a venue that facilitates academic research and cultural exchange between Japan and China, IEAS actively engages in such a mission of promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

On 25 March 2017, Mr Numano attended the opening ceremony of Gazoku Nippon Festival on the campus of Zhejiang Gongshang University before his home trip.