"2022 Sino-Japanese Culture and Arts Festival at Manpukuji" Opens at the Obaku Sect’s Manpukuji Temple in Japan

The "2022 Sino-Japanese Culture and Arts Festival at Manpukuji" was held from September 17 to 19 at Manpukuji Temple in Obakusan, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan。

The event was co-hosted by the Japanese Obaku Sect's Manpukuji Temple, the Obaku Sino-Japanese Exchange Committee, and the Obaku Cultural Promotion Association to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the normalization of Sino-Japanese diplomatic relations and the 350th anniversary of the passing of Master Ingen。

The opening ceremony was attended by Xue Jian, Chinese Consul General in Osaka; Junko Matsumura, Mayor of Uji City; Hirodo Kondo, Chief Abbot of the Japanese Obaku Sect; Lin Wenqing, President of the General Incorporated Association of the Obaku Cultural Promotion Association; and Chen Xi, its Director-General。

In his speech, Xue Jian stated that cultural exchanges have played a crucial role in the long history of the two countries. In 1654, Master Ingen, a prominent monk of the Ming Dynasty, was invited by overseas Chinese merchants in Japan to travel to Japan. He brought not only Buddhist teachings but also advanced scientific and cultural knowledge, promoting the development of Japan during the Edo period. His philosophy of "upholding justice and mutual illumination between East and West" has been passed down through generations and remains significant for today’s Sino-Japanese friendship and exchanges。

Hirodo Kondo remarked that over the 50 years since the normalization of Sino-Japanese diplomatic relations, both countries have weathered challenges and forged ahead, expressing hope for enduring friendship between the two nations for generations to come。

The lion dance troupe from the Kobe Overseas Chinese Association performed a lion dance, conveying blessings for Sino-Japanese friendship. Additionally, during the event, Naito Korin, Secretary-General of the Obaku Sect’s Sino-Japanese Friendship Exchange Committee, presented the participating Peking opera artist Wu Rujun with a Japanese painting titled Compassionate Guanyin。

Furthermore, the Fuzhou People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries provided strong support for the festival. The Kyoto Chinese Calligraphy and Painting Institute organized over 30 Japanese and overseas Chinese artists to participate in the festival’s calligraphy and painting exhibition. The Fuqing Calligraphy Association also contributed calligraphy works for the exhibition。

The Japanese Obaku Sencha Joko Tsukiryuu school leader, along with disciples, prepared a tea ceremony, offering tea to the attending guests。

Consul General Xue Jian took a group photo with overseas Chinese in Japan

Calligrapher Xue Liquan from Fuqing, his hometown, also attended the grand event and displayed his works in the calligraphy exhibition。

As night fell and lanterns lit up, a large lantern display from Zigong, Sichuan, illuminated the scene. The ancient Manpukuji Temple, the headquarters of Japan’s Obaku Sect, was immersed in a festive and peaceful atmosphere。