In picture frames, the wonders of Tochigi

A photography exhibition held recently at the Zhejiang Art Museum in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, marked the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties between China and Japan.

The exhibition, titled Four Seasons in Tochigi Prefecture: China-Japan Friendship Exchange Landscape Photography, showcased 50 photographic works about the natural scenery, folk customs and culture of Tochigi prefecture, Japan.

The prefecture, about 100 kilometers north of Tokyo, with a population of 1.91 million, is surrounded by mountains on three sides.

It is part of Japan's capital metropolitan circle, and its capital is the city of Utsunomiya. As an inland prefecture, Tochigi's annual average temperature is between 10 C and 14 C.

The prefecture's scenery is delightful and ever changing. Flowers bloom in a riot of colors in spring, and the vast plateau north of Tochigi prefecture is full of greenery in summer, making it a popular resort. Because of the large difference in altitude between regions, in autumn beautiful red maple leaves tantalize the eye, and in winter the prefecture's many hot spring resorts are popular.

The shrines and temples of Nikko, together with their natural surroundings, in the northwestern part of Tochigi, are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Regarded for centuries as a sacred site and known for its architectural and decorative masterpieces, these buildings and structures are closely associated with the history of the Tokugawa shoguns.

From central to southern Tochigi prefecture lies a vast plain. In addition to motor vehicle and other manufacturing industries, the area also features rich regional agricultural production, represented by strawberries, the output of which is the highest in Japan.

In addition to marking the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties between China and Japan, it was part of celebrations of the 30th anniversary next year of a special relationship between Zhejiang and Tochigi.

Organizers say that through the exhibition they hope to further deepen Chinese people's understanding of Japan and promote wider exchanges between the two countries, and between Zhejiang and Tochigi.

The aim was to "deepen collaboration in culture and art, promote the continuous development of friendly relations and create a better future together", says the curator Li Xiangyang, who is also the deputy director of the External Relations Department of Zhejiang Art Museum.

Zhejiang Art Museum will continue to work with the International Division of the Ministry of Industry, Labor and Tourism of Tochigi prefecture, and hold an exhibition titled Poetic and Picturesque Zhejiang: China-Japan Friendship Exchange Landscape Photography, Li says. That exhibition will be staged at the Tochigi Prefectural Museum of Fine Arts in October, and in it photographic works reflecting Zhejiang's natural scenery, culture and folk customs will be on display.

Officials of Tochigi prefecture say they hope that through this new cultural exchange channel, more people in Zhejiang can enjoy the nature, history, culture and customs of the prefecture. They also hope to further promote exchanges between China and Japan, and between Zhejiang and Tochigi.