An exhibition of Chinese paintings opened Monday at the China Cultural Center in Tokyo, attracting many Japanese and Chinese art figures and visitors.
With the theme of 'China in Spring,' the exhibition showcases a variety of paintings by over 20 Chinese artists, offering a comprehensive demonstration of the creativity, quality, and artistic style of contemporary Chinese ink painting.
At the exhibition's opening ceremony, Shinako Tsuchiya, director-general of the International Bureau of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party and also a member of the House of Representatives, said such an event will promote friendly exchanges between Japan and China.
"I feel a great warmth in all the works. I believe that this warmth is very important for Japan-China exchanges, and I think it will make the relationship between Japan and China warmer and warmer," Tsuchiya told reporters.
In the exhibition, a peony painting created by Wang Xiaoyan, president of the Yanhe Chinese Painting Society, was particularly eye-catching, which skillfully blended the charm of Chinese painting with the delicate style of Japanese painting, fully demonstrating the artistic charm of the fusion of Chinese and Japanese cultures.
"Peony flowers give people a feeling of spring as they are colorful, beautiful and spectacular. So this painting is also in line with the 'China in Spring' theme," said Wang.
For many years, Wang has been committed to the promotion of Chinese painting overseas, especially in Japan.
By founding the Yanhe Chinese Painting Society, she shares Chinese painting skills with Japanese enthusiasts and fosters cultural exchanges between people of the two countries.
Chinese paintings exhibition held in Tokyo
Chinese paintings exhibition held in Tokyo
Chinese paintings exhibition held in Tokyo
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
