Jining in Shandong province recently held an online cultural seminar with its international sister city Ashikaga in Japan to promote the healthy and stable development of Sino-Japanese cooperation and bolster friendly ties between the two cities.

During the event, representatives from Jining and Ashikaga shared views on the famous historical buildings in Ashikaga and the craftsmanship of pottery artifacts in Jining's Sishui county. The seminar provided a platform for mutual learning and exchange, while also contributing to the growth of traditional cultural industries in both countries.

Yutaka Akiyama, an architect from Ashikaga, introduced the old streets and famous historical buildings of the city, which is located in the western corner of Tochigi prefecture as a vital place overlooking the Kanto Plain and the birthplace of the Ashikaga clan. 

"Bannaji Temple is designated as a national historical site in Japan. Originally the residence of the Ashikaga clan, the temple still retains the style of a samurai residence from the Kamakura period (1185-1333), with gates on all four sides, earthworks, and moats. The moats have fire prevention function as the buildings are made of wood," he said.

You Yue, inheritor of the Confucian pottery craftsmanship in Zhegou town, Sishui, showcased the exquisite local artifacts, including wine utensils, drinking vessels, and tea sets to Ashikaga citizens during the event.

You Yue, inheritor of the Confucian pottery craftsmanship in Zhegou town, Sishui, showcases local artifacts. [Photo/Shandong News]

You said that Zhegou, an ancient town in the northwestern part of Sishui, produces pottery artifacts such as terracotta water purifiers, tea sets, wine utensils, sedimentary inkstones, and colored vases. "As early as 6,000 years ago in the Neolithic Age, Zhegou had become one of China's early pottery production areas."