On October 23, in Urumqi, Xinjiang, renowned Japanese-Chinese friendship advocate Takumi Kojima expressed his joy in donating his collection of paintings and calligraphy to the Xinjiang Museum. “As a long-time friend of Xinjiang, I’m delighted that the public will have the opportunity to view these works through this exhibition,” he stated.
The event, titled “Kojima Takumi Donates Calligraphy and Paintings to Xinjiang Museum,” opened in Urumqi and will run for ten days, showcasing 68 pieces that capture the breathtaking natural landscapes and unique cultural characteristics of Xinjiang. The artworks are created by some of the first artists from Xinjiang after the establishment of the new China, including Xu Shuzhi, Xie Daojia, and Mu Ge.
Previously, these pieces were part of Kojima’s personal collection, which he generously donated to the museum this past August. “These paintings representing Xinjiang truly belong here, and that’s why I chose to donate them,” he remarked.
Xu Ruizhi, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Deputy Director of the Xinjiang Culture and Tourism Department, emphasized the significance of Kojima’s donation in making these artworks accessible to the public, enriching both cultural preservation and the transmission of heritage. He noted that these paintings serve as a testament to Kojima’s deep friendship with Xinjiang and enhance the museum’s collection and exhibition offerings.
Kojima has been a long-time advocate for the development of Xinjiang and has worked diligently to foster understanding of the region within Japanese society. He also serves as a cultural advisor to the People’s Government of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
Since 1982, Kojima has visited Xinjiang over 150 times. “Today’s Xinjiang is completely different from what it was decades ago, in terms of both urban landscape and the living standards of its people. The warmth of the people in Xinjiang motivates me, and I hope to contribute to the region’s development,” he shared.
