TOKYO, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese poetry recitation event was held in Yokohama, Japan on Friday, to mark the 45th anniversary of the normalization of China-Japan diplomatic relations.

Scholars including Atsuo Ueda, a professor from Obirin University, recited in Mandarin Chinese poems about the long-term history of communication and exchanges between China and Japan, including works of Lu Xun, a leading figure of modern Chinese literature who used to study in a medical school in Japan.

Ueda said that the Japanese culture has been largely influenced by the Chinese culture.

"Cultural exchanges are vitally important to our future and will provide necessary foundation for further deepening exchanges between the peoples of China and Japan," he said.

Tamotsu Ueshima, vice chairman of Japan-China Friendship Association of Kanagawa Prefecture, said that the bumpy bilateral relationship needs more efforts from peoples of both countries.

"We will continue to make efforts to enhance friendship between our two countries through hosting communication activities such as this recitation," he added.

Apart from the recitation, a photo exhibition also kicked off on Friday, showing hundreds of photos featuring historical figures and exchange activities between China and Japan. The exhibition will run through Sept 24.

The poetry recitation and photo exhibition are both sponsored by the Japan-China Friendship Association of Kanagawa Prefecture.