(2002/10/10)

To mark 30th anniversary of normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan, and to boost cooperation and exchange in the fields of culture and mass media between the two countries, a series of activities including Results of Sino-Japanese Media Exchange and Cooperation Picture Show and Sino-Japanese Friendship Night large-scale song-and-dance   party were solemnly held on the evening of October 10th at Tokyo's Japanese Broadcasting Association (NHK) broadcast hall.

Director of China State Council Information Office Zhao Qizheng and Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Dawei accompanied former Japanese Prime Minister Mori Yoshirou, Japanese Territory Communication Minister Oogi Tigake, chief of Japanese Conservative Party Noda Tsuyoshi, Japanese friendly people in various circles and overseas Chinese residing in Japan, about 4,000 in number, watched the picture show and performances.

In the spacious auditorium next to the NHK broadcast hall, Results of Sino-Japanese Cooperation and Exchange in the Field of Culture and Media Picture Show was opened first. On display are nearly 100 valuable pictures provided by 20-odd most influential Chinese and Japanese information services. These pictures emphatically reflect the substantial achievements the two countries have attained in mass media exchanges during the 30 years since normalization of Sino-Japanese diplomatic relations, and at the same reveal the unremitting efforts and significant contributions made by the governments of the two countries and by friendly people over several generations for strengthening Sino-Japanese friendly relations.

Zhao Qizheng andpPresident of Japanese NHK Association Ebizawa Katsuji spoke at the opening ceremony of the show. Zhao said that these pictures taken by news media of the two countries take us back to the history of friendly exchanges and contacts between the two countries in the past 30 years from which those present at the show can certainly realize the efforts made by the media and the sustained development of Sino-Japanese friendship. The solemn yet cheerful Sino-Japanese gathering is prepared for the day 30 years ago that is memorable in the history of Sino-Japanese relationship, Zhao said. It is a grand gathering in which artists of the two countries give performances on the same stage. It demonstrates in the form of art to the world the past, the present and the well wish for the future of Sino-Japanese culture and friendship.

Ebizawa Katsuji pointed out that the activity today has an extremely far-reaching significance in calling back to mind the cultural and art exchanges between the two countries in the past 30 years since normalization of Sino-Japanese diplomatic relations. The 'Results of Sino-Japanese Cooperation and Exchange Media Picture Show' aims at recalling the history of the past 30 years and boosting mutual understanding between people of the two countries, he said.

Soon after the opening ceremony, the Sino-Japanese Friendship Night entertainment started. The first-rate performing artists of the two countries in the fields of music, song and dance, acrobatics, drama, etc., the topnotch symphonic orchestras, adult and children choruses, ballet, modern dance troupes and nationalities song and dance ensembles, and film and TV stars known well to the audience gathered together. Japanese artists enjoying good fame in South Asia such as Tanimura Shinji, Hamazaki Ayumi, Itsuwa Mayami, Itsuki Hiroshi, Dapump, and Max, and artists from China including well-known singer Song Zuying, erhu player Jiang Kemei, acrobats from Guangzhou Military Area Acrobatics, dancer Huang Doudou, kunqu opera performer Zhang Jun, and singing stars Na Ying, Sun Nan, Guo Fucheng, Wang Fei, Zhou Bingqian, etc offered brilliant performances on the same stage.

The whole evening of entertainment centered on the theme of love for peace, yearning for bright future and lasting friendship between the two countries. The passionate, melodious singing and consummate skills of the performers caused one climax after another, winning bursting applause and cheers from the audience.

(From Xinhua Web)