A traditional Chinese dragon boat race was held in southern China to promote exchanges between Japan and China.
A total of about 450 employees of Japanese affiliated firms and local governments took part in the race on Saturday in the city of Foshan in Guangdong Province.
The race was organized by groups of Japanese- affiliated companies in Guangdong and the Consulate-General of Japan.
A crew of about 20 members on each brightly colored, dragon-shaped boat competed for time. The crews rowed with all their might over a distance of 200 meters.
A first-time participant said that it is very meaningful to have an event to promote better friendship.
Another rower said that it was great, and we praised each other after the race.
One of the organizers, Tanabe Hisato, leading the Japanese Chamber of Commerce in Guangzhou, said that he wants to see the race continue in the future.
He added that it is good that Japanese and Chinese people enjoy local culture together for better exchange.