2007 marks the 35th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan. A flurry of activities have been held around the nation to celebrate the event. One of them was a picture exhibition in Beijing. Mixed feelings best describe Chinese people's emotions concerning Japan. However, Friday's exhibition at the Millennium Monument Art Exhibition Center suggests friendship and amiable exchanges have set the overall tone for China and Japan's relationship over the past half century. Some 130 pictures were displayed covering landmark events in diplomacy and cultural exchange. One of the earliest picture depicts Chairman Mao's meeting with a visiting Japanese Kabuki troupe in 1955. And the Shanghai Dance Troupe brought the Chinese ballet " White-haired Girl" to Tokyo in 1972. Thanks to anonymous photographers, some of the most precious moments have been captured, serving as a reminder to the younger generation of the value of peace and cooperation. Fumihiro Kawakami, counselor, Embassy of Japan, said, "I think the exchanges between young people of the two countries is the key to developing our friendship. Both the Chinese and Japanese governments have agreed to make 2008 'China and Japan Exchange Year'. We look forward to deepening understanding between the young people of the two countries through a series of activities." The picture exhibition is the closing event of the " Sino-Japan Culture and Sports Year". China and Japan have intensified exchanges in these fields in this past year, with some three hundred activities in many Chinese cities. Next year is the 30th anniversary of the signing of the peace and friendship treaty between China and Japan, marking a highly important year for the development of bilateral relations.