A three-day exhibition displaying Japanese culture and civilisation with the help of artistic calendars has opened in Quetta, highlighting cultural exchange between Pakistan and Japan.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Balochistan Governor Sheikh Jafar Khan Mandokhail, who was the chief guest in the opening ceremony, according to the 24NewsHD TV channel.

The event was also attended by former Balochistan chief minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch; provincial education minister Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani; Japan’s honorary consul general for Quetta, Syed Nadeem Alam Shah; as well as representatives from political, social, sports and civil society circles.

Syed Nadeem Alam Shah and Syed Feroz Shah, President of Pakistan-Japan Friendship Society, Quetta, Balochistan, welcomed the guests at the inauguration. Director of the same society, Israr Ahmad Adeel, organised the arrangements of the exhibition.

The purpose of the exhibition, hosted in collaboration with the Japan Consulate Karachi, is to promote cultural exchange between Japan and Pakistan, and offer the public a meaningful and accessible cultural event, organisers said.

Japanese calendars depicting various scenes, including natural landscapes, seasonal changes, traditional culture, lifestyle, historical heritage, fine arts, sporting events, wildlife, cuisine, agriculture and modern industry are showcased. The exhibits also feature representations of Japanese traditions like Ikebana floral design and imagery of public and private sector institutions.

The calendars embody Japan’s cultural belief of harmony with nature, time and the changing of the seasons, and also represent the artistic expression and aesthetic traditions of the country, officials said.

Addressing the event, Governor Balochistan Sheikh Jafar Mandokhail said that Pakistan is eager to build on Japan’s expertise and technological advancement to promote higher education in Balochistan.

He said that the Japanese industries could develop educational and economic development through a partnership with Balochistan’s public universities, including scholarship programmes.

The governor also added that Japan has achieved great advances in modern technology, and in every tough situation, Japan has extended humanitarian help to Balochistan.

He said he hopes to have further cooperation and guidance from Japan in the future to boost development activities in the province.