Japan-Mekong exchange year to be launched in Myanmar

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-12/25/content_10559476.htm


YANGON, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- A Japan-Mekong exchange year will be launched in Myanmar's former capital Yangon early next February to showcase the cooperation and friendship between Japan and Myanmar, one of the Mekong River valley countries, the local Biweekly Eleven News reported Thursday.

The opening ceremony on Feb. 6, 2009 will be attached with joint performance by Japanese and Myanmar artists to mark the event. The performance will involve that of Myanmar traditional musician U Hlaing Win Maung, the Japanese embassy was quoted as saying.


In previous cultural exchange programs between Myanmar and Japan, Japanese film shows were held annually in Yangon and Mandalay in the past few years, introducing Japanese movies to Myanmar audiences which featured comedy, cartoon, romance, samuraiand detective.

The two countries also launched joint shooting of movie with the movie "Thway" (blood) representing as a joint production.

The film, which marked a symbol of Japan-Myanmar friendship andcontributes to the promotion of the two countries' friendly relations, was created by Japanese producer and director Koji Chino and was based on a famous Myanmar novel of the same title written by Journal Gyaw Ma Ma Lay.

The movie involved both Myanmar and Japanese actors and actress.

Meanwhile, the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS)-Economic Cooperation has worked out a plan for development of tourism as part of its economic cooperation in the subregion, designating the year 2009-2010 as GMS tourism year.

The Mekong River is shared by six countries -- China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.