Japanese visitors explore the Erjia Cao Yuxing Dyeing Workshop in Nantong. [Photo/Nantong Cultural and Art Creation and Research Center]

Karima Fumitoshi, recipient of the Jiangsu Friendship Award and honorary professor of the University of Tokyo, led the Japanese translation team of Nantong Notes on a visit to Nantong in East China's Jiangsu province from April 27 to 30.

Nantong Notes, written by Chinese writer Jin Fei, explores and documents the historical and cultural heritage of Nantong in note form. To promote Nantong's culture, the book's Japanese version was published earlier this year under the leadership of the Nantong municipal bureau of culture, broadcasting, television, and tourism.

On April 29, the Japanese team visited Tongzhou district, where they toured the Erjia Cao Yuxing Dyeing Workshop, the Erjia Blue Calico Art Center, and the China in Children's Chorus Art Creation and Research Base, experiencing the craftsmanship and cultural innovation of Chinese intangible cultural heritage.

During the visit, in order to further promote Nantong's stories internationally and deepen cultural exchanges between Nantong and Japan, the team also visited local cultural and natural landmarks such as the Nantong Museum, Langshan Mountain, and Linggong School. These Japanese scholars praised Nantong for its beautiful scenery, and rich culture, describing it as a city overflowing with greenery and charm.

The Nantong Cultural and Art Creation and Research Center organized an interview with Karima Fumitoshi. Professor Karima shared his unique insights on Nantong's films, drawing from his experience planning Chinese film retrospectives and translating numerous Chinese film subtitles. He encouraged young researchers to watch movies, explore old films, and conduct multifaceted research on films, providing valuable advice for their studies.