An exhibition of artifacts from Taipei’s National Palace Museum is now open in Japan.
More than 60 students and teachers from areas that were hardest hit by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami were among the first group of visitors. They were invited by the museum, Taiwan’s culture ministry and Taiwan’s representative office in Japan.
Students were excited to see the famous Jadeite Cabbage for the first time. A high school student said she found the intricate carving inconceivable.
"I think the Jadeite Cabbage looks very fresh. It looks like a real bok choy, not a carved piece. It’s very impressive,” said the student Tahara Yamato.
The group of students also took the opportunity to thank Taiwan for offering aid following the devastating quake and tsunami, which killed nearly 16,000 people.
The exhibition, now underway at the Tokyo National Museum, will run through September 15. The Jadeite Cabbage, a favorite among museum goers, will be on display for only two weeks, until July 7.