From April 21 to 23, Fuzhou City in Jiangxi Province hosted the “Encounter Jiangxi” Linchuan Cultural Exhibition at Hatoyama Hall in Tokyo, Japan. Through photos, texts, and live demonstrations, the exhibition showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Ganpo region to Japanese audiences.
At the opening ceremony, Liao Xiaoyong, Member of the Standing Committee and Head of Publicity Department of Fuzhou Municipal Committee, introduced the cultural significance of Fuzhou. Located in eastern Jiangxi, Fuzhou is the birthplace of Linchuan culture and known as the “Land of Talents and Nation of Culture.” It has nurtured historical figures like Yan Shu, Wang Anshi, Zeng Gong, Lu Jiuyuan, and Tang Xianzu, and created great works such as the “Four Dreams of Linchuan.” Its rich traditions include Zen, academies, opera, neo-Confucianism, psychology, and medicine. Local specialties like lotus root candy, stuffed candy, eel, and bamboo shoots highlight the cultural flavor of the city.
Liao emphasized that Fuzhou is just one gem among many in Jiangxi, inviting guests to explore more of what makes the region unique. He expressed hope that the exhibition will foster deeper Sino-Japanese cultural ties and become a bridge for mutual understanding and global cultural exchange.
Former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama welcomed the exhibition and shared that it brought him closer to both China and Linchuan. He admired the many Linchuan-born scholars who were also statesmen—something rare in Japan—and noted the emotional impact of their dual legacies.
Hatoyama recalled visiting Caoshan Baoji Temple, a sacred site of the Caodong Zen school, and expressed gratitude for the hospitality. He encouraged more Japanese people to attend the exhibition and visit Jiangxi for cultural exchange and travel.
At the ceremony, Master Shengkong of Caoshan Baoji Temple presented Hatoyama with a handwritten copy of “Tea and Zen Are One” by Master Yangli, a tribute to Zhao Puchu, founder of the Chinese Tea Zen Association. The gift symbolizes the spiritual bond and cultural exchange between China and Japan.
The opening ceremony was hosted by Chen Xiaoqing, Magistrate of Yihuang County.
