A two-day event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the normalization of Japan-China diplomatic relations kicked off Saturday in Beijing, with organizers hoping to attract people unfamiliar with Japanese culture through programs featuring food, music and animation, among others.
The event at a Beijing shopping mall where 70,000 people visit daily included pre-recorded videos and online exchanges, providing chances for visitors to get glimpses of Japan even while the pandemic-induced travel restrictions remain in place.
At the opening ceremony, Japanese Ambassador to China Hideo Tarumi stressed the significance of holding such an event, saying it will help deepen mutual understanding and trust between people of the two countries.
"I hope this event will generate interest in Japan among as many Chinese people as possible and prod them to visit Japan when travel restrictions are lifted," the envoy said.
Former Chinese Ambassador to Japan Cheng Yonghua expressed hope that Chinese people will understand Japanese culture and tradition through this event.
The event programs include the presentation of new fusion food menu that can be enjoyed by people of the two countries, a presentation on gyōza (dumplings) originating from China, a shamisen performance and the display of a "pilgrimage" map for tourists who are fans of Japanese anime.
As bilateral relations remain precarious ahead of the anniversary, which will be marked Thursday, following China's fierce response to criticism by Japan and Western nations last month of its actions in the Taiwan Strait, there had been concerns that the celebratory event might not be held.
To avoid inspiring perceptions of confrontation, showings of Ultraman, originating in Japan, and performances of the classic music "Sabre Dance" were canceled, the organizers said.
For the event, the organizers, including the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China, collected some 6 million yuan ($847,800), mostly from China-based Japanese companies.