Anniversary of
Normalization of
Sino-Japanese Diplomatic Relations
 |
|
Children
from a Chinese school in Yokohama, Japan, visit
the
exhibition "The Great Leader Zhou Enlai." |
September 29, 2002, marked the 30th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan. Soka Gakkai representatives attended a commemorative event on September 28 at the People's Great Hall in Beijing, China, and the occasion was also marked by concerts, exhibitions and a symposium in Japan.
Professors from Peking, Wuhan, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Sun Yat-Sen and Shanghai universities met at the Soka University campus in Tokyo on October 9 to discuss "Strengthening Sino-Japanese Exchanges." Dr. Yu Chaomei of Peking University described the way Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai
(1898-1976) risked worsening his already weak health by meeting SGI President Daisaku Ikeda in 1972, and how Mr. Ikeda also put himself in danger (by antagonizing Japanese nationalists) with his September 8, 1968, speech in which he called for Japan to normalize relations with China and for China to be accepted into the global community. Xiamen University Associate Prof. Chen Wuyuan stated that Mr. Ikeda's speech became the bedrock upon which goodwill between the two nations was established.
The Soka Gakkai Kansai 21st Century Symphony Orchestra held a concert commemorating the anniversary on September 23. The concert featured traditional Chinese musicians as well as performances by renowned Chinese opera singers. Then, on September 27, "The Great Leader Zhou Enlai" exhibition on the life and accomplishments of the late Chinese premier opened at the Soka Gakkai Peace Memorial Hall in Kyoto. On September 28, Renmin University of China (RUC) conferred an honorary professorship on SGI President Daisaku Ikeda for his contributions to Sino-Japanese friendship and his tireless efforts to promote cultural and educational exchange.
|
