The 40th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China, and the opening ceremony of 2012 "Friendship Year for Japan-China People-To-People Exchanges"

February 1, 2012
Japanese

This year is the 40th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China. In order to enhance exchanges and promote the mutual understanding between the peoples of Japan and China, the leaders of both countries agreed to designate this year as 2012: "Friendship Year for Japan-China People-To-People Exchanges", and both the public and private sectors in Japan and China are organizing a series of events to mark the anniversary.
The opening ceremony of 2012: "Friendship Year for Japan-China People-To-People Exchanges", will be held in Beijing on the afternoon of Thursday 16 February. And as part of the same series of events, the opening ceremony of the "Vibrant Japan" exhibition will also take place at the same time.
For the Japanese side, Mr. NAOSHIMA Masayuki, a member of the House of Councillors (and former Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry), will attend both ceremonies as a special envoy of the Prime Minister of Japan. And Mr. Yonekura Hiromasa, Chairman of the executive committee for 2012: "Friendship Year for Japan-China People-To-People Exchanges", will also attend, together with other VIPs from both Japan and China.

References: Events marking the 40th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China.

The normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China took place in 1972, and since then anniversary-marking events have been held by both countries. 2012 is the 40th Anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China. In order to enhance exchanges and promote the mutual understanding between the peoples of Japan and China, both sides agreed to organize a series of events to mark the 40th anniversary.
Since the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China in 1972, relations between the two countries have developed in all areas. Through the 40th anniversary events, we expect to establish stable and future-oriented Japan-China relations, with a wide range of exchanges, that will further enhance mutual understanding and promote mutual trust between the two countries.

(*This is a provisional translation. The above date denotes the date of the issue of the original press release in Japanese.)

(END)