Thousands of ancient books back in China from Japan

Morihiro Hosokawa, a former Prime Minister of Japan, has donated 4,175 books dating back to ancient China's Han Dynasty to the National Library of China, reports meldingcloud.com.cn.

4,175 Chinese books dating back to China's ancient Han Dynasty are donated to National Library of China from Japan at a ceremony, June 26, 2018. [Photo: China.com.cn]

The National Library says the books contain rich content which highlights the ancient cultural ties between China and Japan.

Library officials say the books also hold new information not found in books in China. 11 of the books are versions drafted by ancient Japanese scholars who had been studying the literary works of the Han Dynasty.

The donation ceremony was held at the National Library of China on June 26, 2018. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Japan-China Treaty of Peace and Friendship.