Wu assured that the Chinese Embassy in Japan will fully support and enhance cooperation between Japan and Xinjiang in areas such as; tourism, trade, modern agriculture and animal husbandry, culture, education, and youth exchanges.

Kojima, who has paid more than 150 visits to Xinjiang, emphasized that as an important hub of the Belt and Road Initiative in the new era, Xinjiang has great potential for development. He expressed his hope that this photo exhibition will help deepen people's understanding of Xinjiang and encouraged everyone to experience the real Xinjiang with their own eyes and by visiting it in person.

After seeing the photos of Xinjiang, Ambassador of Pakistan to Japan Raza Bashir Tarar said: "I'm simply overwhelmed because the image I have learned from the Western media was entirely different from what I've seen."

He highlighted that the region's rich history has been carefully preserved, and its remarkable development is a testament to China's policy of inclusion.

"The more people visit the place, (the more) they will realize that things are not the way they are presented," said Tarar.

He praised the autonomous region for its vast territory, stunning natural beauty, and deep historical significance, particularly its central role in the ancient Silk Road.

"Hopefully, there can be more events (like this), and more and more people can visit and see the beauty and development (of Xinjiang) for themselves," he said.

Kiyomi Seno, chairman of the Japan-China Society, said when Japanese people hear "Xinjiang", they often think of the Silk Road, deserts, minority dances and costumes. Japanese people are very interested in the music and dance of the Uygur people, he added.

"For the average Japanese person, Xinjiang feels like a distant and unfamiliar place. Presenting Xinjiang through pictures, as we are doing today, makes it easier for people in Japan to understand the current situation there. I hope such photo exhibitions can be held across Japan," said Seno.