Rare book donation fosters China-Japan bond

Luo Shugang (right), China's minister of culture and tourism, and Morihiro Hosokawa (center) view the exhibited books at the National Library, on June 26, 2018. [Photo provided to Chinaculture.org]

To mark the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Sino-Japanese Peace and Friendship Treaty, Japan's Eisei Bunko Museum donated 4,175 ancient Chinese books to the National Library of China on Tuesday. Guests and officials from both countries attended the donation ceremony at the National Museum of Classic Books in Beijing.

All volumes, covering Confucian classics, historical records, philosophical writings and miscellaneous works, come from the family collection of the Hosokawa clan, owner of the Eisei Bunko Museum. The chairman of the museum Morihiro Hosokawa, who was also the 50th Prime Minister of Japan, presented the books to the National Library.

Han Yongjin (right), director of the National Library, presents the donation certificate to Morihiro Hosokawa, on June 26, 2018. [Photo provided to Chinaculture.org]

Luo Shugang, China's minister of culture and tourism, thanked Hosokawa for his consistent dedication to China-Japan friendship, believing this act will set an example in cultural exchange and cooperation between the two countries.

"This donation demonstrates the China-Japan friendly ties dating back a thousand years ago, which will become a story praised far and wide in the history of cultural exchange," Luo said.

Morihiro Hosokawa was glad to witness the promising prospect of Sino-Japanese relations. He said he would keep contributing to China-Japan cultural cooperation.

To introduce these cultural treasures to the public, the National Library has also launched a one-month special exhibition.