Beijing - Japan will facilitate visits from more Chinese tourists and regard it an important base for mutual understanding, said Renhō, a member of the Upper House of the Diet of Japan.

There are ups and downs in the relations between Chinese and Japanese people, but the civil forum provides a chance to frankly exchange ideas among businessmen, politicians and news media workers, the official said at the Beijing-Tokyo Forum on Sunday.

She also said that the Chinese premier's visit to Japan in May brought comfort and encouragement to those affected by the earthquake.

Next year marks the 40th anniversary of China-Japan diplomatic relations, and Japan hopes for more active developments in exchanges between the two nations, Yukio Edano, Japan's chief government spokesman, said in a written statement to the forum.