Efforts for Japan-China Friendship HonoredJapanese Foreign Minister Yohei Kono Tuesday presented the "foreign ministerial award" to a literary translator and two musicians here today in recognition of their contribution to Japan-China friendship.Awarded are 72-year-old translator Wen Jieruo and violinist Sheng Zhongguo and his wife from Japan Seda Hiroko. Kono spoke highly of the three's efforts in promoting friendship between the two countries at the award ceremony, saying that it is just through the efforts of individuals from all walks of life represented by the three awardees that Japan-China relations can keep such a good development momentum. As a literary translator, Wen has spent over 40 years on translating and publishing Japanese literary works in China, playing an important role in introducing Japanese literature to Chinese readers. As violinist and pianist, Sheng and Hiroko have jointly presented concerts combining music both from China and Japan as well as charity performances in both countries, contributing a lot to the cultural exchange between the two peoples. The "foreign ministerial award", as one targeted for those contributing to Japan's foreign relations, has been presented to 31 individuals and 10 organizations this year. |
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