To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of sister-city relations between Beijing and Tokyo, the opening ceremony for Beijing Week is held at Akihabara Convention and Exhibition Center in the Japanese capital on June 7. [Photo/people.cn]

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of sister-city relations between Beijing and Tokyo, an opening ceremony at Akihabara Convention and Exhibition Center on June 7 kicked off Beijing Week in the Japanese capital.

Tokyo is the first international sister city that Beijing linked with. Officials said that over the past 40 years, the two cities have maintained close contacts and forged strong and enduring links in a number of areas.

As national capitals, these two cities have played a leading role in exchanges and made positive contributions to deepening friendly cooperation between China and Japan and friendship between their peoples.

Cai Qi, secretary of the Communist Party of China Beijing Municipal Committee, urged people from all walks of life from China and Japan to participate in Beijing Week. He thanked people of insight who have devoted themselves to the friendship between China and Japan and who have made continuing efforts to develop the friendship between the two cities.

Organizers said Beijing Week event is a review of the history of the two sides' relationships and is a further opportunity for deepening friendly relations between the two cities.

Beijing Week will be promoted through four themes: the city's unique tourism offering, the upcoming Winter Olympics, Zhongguancun Science Park as well as scientific and technological and culturally creative products.

It will showcase Beijing's colorful culture and the current development of China. Visitors can participate in making various intangible cultural heritage products, handicrafts and craft products, enjoy special snacks and fully appreciate the unique charms of Beijing culture.

 A series of activities marking the 40th anniversary of the sister-city relationship were also held in the Japanese capital from June 6 to 9. During the period, the "Night of Beijing" performances, financial conferences and other activities were successfully held -- demonstrating Beijing's profound historical and cultural dimensions and promoting economic and trade cultural exchanges and cooperation.