Chongqing - The traveling exhibition "The Beauty of Exchanging Gifts in Japan: Giving Shape to One's Thoughts and Emotions" opened at the Jiulong Ecool, a cultural park in the Jiulongpo District, on June 1. The free exhibition will last until June 21 before heading to the next destination.

The opening ceremony of the exhibition "The Beauty of Exchanging Gifts in Japan: Giving Shape to One's Thoughts and Emotions" opened in the Jiulongpo District on June 1. (Photo/Deng Yan)

The Consulate General of Japan in Chongqing, Japan Foundation, in collaboration with the Chongqing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the People's Government of Jiulongpo District, co-organized the exhibition.

With nearly one hundred exhibits, this exhibition is divided into four parts: various gifts related to weddings, the art of gift-wrapping Fukusa and Furoshiki, gifts from parents to children, and exchanging gifts to strengthen bonds. Four themes vividly present the giver's thoughts and emotions of Japanese people during their major stages of life.

The bride's parents give the shiromuku, a pure white kimono to pray for happiness. (Photo/ Deng Yan)

Fukusa, wrapping cloth for the ceremony. (Photo/ Deng Yan)

Caps and bibs, gifts from parents to children. (Photo/ Deng Yan)

Gifts given and exchanged are to strengthen or confirm group bonds. (Photo/ Deng Yan)

Takada Mari, Consul General of Japan in Chongqing, said the exhibition aims to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan. Chongqing is the first stop of the touring exhibition.

"It is hoped that with the assistance of all Japanese and Chinese friendly people, Japan and China will promote cooperation and exchanges in various fields such as economy and culture, and carry out activities similar to this exhibition," she added.

Takada Mari (left), Consul General of Japan in Chongqing, introduces the gift-giving etiquette. (Photo provided to iChongqing)

"This exhibition will introduce the Japanese gift-giving culture to the Chongqing residents," said Wang Guangcheng, Vice President of the Chongqing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, at the opening ceremony. "And further promote the mutual understanding and learning of Chinese and Japanese cultures, promote mutual friendship and heart-to-heart connection."