Daio Paper Corporation, a world-leading paper manufacturer from Japan, held a special ceremony on Sept 20 in Tokyo, to mark the complete transfer of ownership of the Watanabe Junichi Museum of Literature to the Qingdao Publishing Group, completing the Qingdao firm's acquisition of the museum, according to qdpub.com.

As the first overseas acquisition by a state-owned publishing company in Shandong province, it was highly valued by the Qingdao government, in particular it will help to implement the city's going-out strategy, expand cultural trade, and strengthen cultural exchanges with foreign countries. It is also hoped to raise the profile of Chinese culture internationally.

Meng Mingfei, president of the Qingdao Publishing Group, said that for many years, the company has given priority to Chinese-Japanese cultural communication in its publication positioning and direction.

Meng said that the company has published many famous Japanese writers' books in the Chinese language, such as Natsume Souseki, Ryunosuke Akutagawa, Kawabata Yasunari, Takiji Kobayashi and Watanabe Junichi.

Meng added that the company has exported many publications on Chinese food and medicine to Japan, which contributed to enhancing the mutual understanding and friendship between China and Japan.

Cheng Yonghua, Chinese ambassador to Japan, expressed his congratulations to Qingdao Publishing Group and he pointed out that the acquisition would play an important role in promoting communication between the two cultures.

Some 100 respected figures attended the ceremony, including journalists from NHK (Nippon Hoso Kyokai, Japan Broadcasting Corporation), Kyodo News and the Asahi Shimbun; business representatives from Shogakukan, a general publishing company in Japan, and Shueisha, a Japanese book and video game publisher; and Watanabe Junichi's family and close friends.

Watanabe Junichi was a Japanese writer, known for his portrayal of the extra-marital affairs of middle aged people. His 1997 novel A Lost Paradise became a bestseller in Japan and all over Asia, and was later made into a film and TV miniseries. Watanabe has written more than 50 novels in total.

Watanabe Junichi Museum of Literature, previously owned by Daio Paper Corporation, introduces visitors to the literary works and creative activities of Watanabe.

The permanent exhibition room on the second floor of the museum showcases private items from his childhood, handwritten manuscripts, and personal photographs.

The special exhibition room on the same floor presents items organized into different themes to explore Watanabe's literary works in-depth. His literary output ranges from his early works set in the medical world to romantic novels, biographical works, and essays. There is also a library and café on the first floor.

The audio guide, in which Watanabe reveals how he made his debut as an author, is not to be missed.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)