The second show of the inaugural Japanese tour of Voyage to the East, a Sino-Japanese cultural performance, took place on Nov 29 in Osaka, Japan, captivating an audience of over 400 Chinese and Japanese spectators. The event delivered a memorable experience, concluding the tour on a high note.
The inaugural Japanese tour of the Sino-Japanese performance Voyage to the East concludes on Nov 29 in Osaka, Japan. [Photo/WeChat account: zjgwtgl]
Inspired by the sixth voyage of the Tang Dynasty (618–907) monk Jianzhen, the performance tells the story of his journey from Huangsipu, Zhangjiagang, to Japan over a thousand years ago. Despite numerous challenges, Jianzhen successfully brought Buddhism and many cultural traditions to Japan, leaving a lasting legacy.
As a collaborative endeavor, Voyage to the East highlights the distinctive artistic traditions of China and Japan while showcasing their shared heritage and cultural integration. The performance is a testament to the growing artistic cooperation between the two nations.
Chinese and Japanese actors perform together for Voyage to the East. [Photo/WeChat account: zjgwtgl]
The Osaka audience responded with resounding enthusiasm, breaking into applause more than 10 times throughout the show. Even after the final curtain, many were reluctant to leave, moved by the performance's emotional depth. This shared experience underscored the enduring bond between the people of China and Japan, fostering deeper mutual understanding.
After a successful debut in Beijing, Zhangjiagang, Yangzhou, and Shanghai in September, Voyage to the East has continued to garner acclaim. Looking ahead, the performance is set to tour across China, Japan, and other Asian countries, spreading its message of cultural exchange, cross-border connection, and intercultural dialogue to people throughout the region.