Chinese opera celebrates Jianzhen's journey to Japan

A China-made opera, Jianzhen's Journey to Japan, premiered in Tokyo on Tuesday, the anniversary of the Chinese monk's arrival in the country 1,263 years ago.

The opera's director, Xing Shimiao, calls it "a mere coincidence".

But the return of the Chinese monk caused a stir in Tokyo as Jianzhen, or Ganji as he is known in Japan, is a household name in the island nation. He is still revered as Japan's benefactor.