A photo exhibition held by China's State Council Information Office opened at Roppongi Hills commercial complex in Tokyo on Thursday, featuring pictures depicting positive relations since the end of World War II.
About 180 photographs collected from leaders, citizens and the media of both countries are included, attracting over 3,000 visitors in the first day of the 11-day exhibition.
Pictures of the Japanese Emperor and Empress's visit to the Great Wall in 1992, as well as those of bilateral exchanges in politics, economy, science and religion, are on display.
"There are 2,000 years of friendly exchange between China and Japan. The history of good relations is more representative than that of confrontations," Zhao Qizheng, Information Office director, said at the opening ceremony.
"Relations over the past 60 years, especially since 1972, are more important than those before," he said, adding that the normalization of diplomatic relations has brought significant benefits to both sides.
"We should maintain long-lasting friendship and solve issues with a long-term view," said Zhao.
The Chinese ambassador to Japan, Wang Yi, expressed hope that more people, especially young people, would visit the exhibition, which not only reflects good past ties, but also points to their bright future.
Hong Kong film star Jackie Chan and Japanese table tennis player Ai Fukuhara, who plays in the Chinese Super League, also attended the ceremony along with figures such as House of Representatives Speaker Yohei Kono and House of Councillors President Chikage Ogi.
Kono said the exhibition would help the peoples of both countries better understand each other. "Strengthening bilateral relations between China and Japan is significant for not only their own prosperity, but also for peace in Asia and the world."
(Xinhua News Agency July 29, 2005)
