A painting exhibition was held in the Central Highlands city of Da Lat on February 28 to showcase works created by Japanese politicians, culturists, educationalists and economists.

The event, a Japan Art and Culture Association (JACA) exhibition, was part of activities to celebrate the 40 th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties.

On display were special art works created by former Japanese Prime Ministers Kaifu Toshiki and Asho Taro, Congressman Tsuruho Yosuke, and Japan ’s goodwill ambassador to Vietnam , singer Sugi Ryotaro.

The works feature the beauty of the people and landscapes of Japan , as well as Japanese traditional festivals.

The exhibition is expected to strengthen bilateral friendship and cooperation in the future, said Noro Akihiko, former governor of Mie prefecture and member of JACA.

High-ranking leaders have regularly exchanged visits to strengthen bilateral ties, and Japan is now Vietnam’s third largest partner with two-way trade turnover reaching nearly 25 billion USD in 2012.-VNA