On 19 December 2005, the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, together with the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations, co-hosted the opening reception for the art exhibit, “Spirit of the East”. About 400 guests, including the Secretary-General and Mrs. Annan, attended the reception.

U.N. Secretary-General Mr. Kofi Annan gave the opening remarks, followed by speeches by the Permanent Representative of Japan, Mr. Kenzo Oshima, and the Permanent Representative of China, Mr. Wang Guangya.

→Greeting by Mr. Kenzo Oshima, Permanent Representative of Japan to the U.N.
→Greeting by Mr. Wang Guangya, Permanent Representative of China to the U.N.

The two Missions are also co-sponsoring the exhibit, which commemorates the 60th anniversary of the United Nations. “Spirit of the East” features works by two prominent contemporary artists, Japanese painter Mr. Kaii Higashiyama and Chinese photographer Mr. Wang Wusheng.

The theme of this exhibit embodies the ideal of beauty transcending time and space. Mr. Higashiyama is a master of landscape painting whose works encompass an element of Western aesthetics coexisting with the spirit of Oriental beauty. Mr. Wang is a fine art photographer who has dedicated his life’s work to capturing images of the ethereal beauty of China’s famous mountain, Mt. Huangshan. Together their works are presented as a tribute to the idea of living in harmony with Nature.

“Spirit of the East” will be displayed in the U.N. visitor’s entrance hall from 20 December 2005 to 10 March 2006.