The eighth China-Japan-Korea Friendship Children’s Painting Exhibition was launched online (www.xiaohuobanhualang.org.cn) on Aug 29. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The eighth China-Japan-Korea Friendship Children’s Painting Exhibition was launched online (www.xiaohuobanhualang.org.cn) on Aug 29.

The exhibition features 302 paintings done by children of the three countries. The works, which were selected from around 10,000 submissions, expresses mutual support between nations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

An opening ceremony of the exhibition was held online. Performances included a Japanese dance, a Korean concert and a Chinese calligraphy demonstration.

The website also offers users an immersive 3D experience in the form of a virtual tour of the paintings.

Somei Otsubo, a Japanese fourth grader and one of the golden prize winners, drew a scene depicting people praying for the end of plague at the 700-year-old Japanese festival Hakata Gion Yamakasa.

“I hope my painting can bring people a little joy and hope, and invite people to join this massive festival in my country,” he said.

Wen Hejing, a Chinese third grader, presented her painting of a Chinese divine gate guardian fighting the coronavirus.

“I wish the world can defeat the virus soon. This is what motivated my drawing,” she said.

Kim Seo-jeong, a Korean kindergartener, said: “I am so sorry that we could not see each other in person this year. When the pandemic ends, let’s meet up with smiles!”

The exhibition was organized by the Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the Busan Foundation for International Cooperation and Bellpo Organization.