An opera which is based on the story of a Chinese monk's expedition to Japan to promote Buddhism in the eighth century made its premiere Saturday evening at JSBC Litchi Grand Theater in Nanjing.
Monk Jianzhen's Journey to Japan, a production by Jiangsu Performing Arts Group, made the full-house Litchi Grand Theater roar from time to time.
Jianzhen, an eminent monk in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), made six attempts to visit Japan from 743 to 753 at the invitation of the Japanese monk and emissary Yoei.
He failed to make it the first five times, the last attempt leaving him blind from an infection. However, Jianzhen's resolve to go to Japan did not die and in 753, the strong-minded monk finally made it to Kagoshima, the southwestern tip of Kyushu Island.
During his 10-year stay in Japan, Jianzhen not only introduced Buddhism to the country, he also brought China's calligraphy, architecture, music and medicine to the island country.
To get a better understanding of the great monk, the main cast made several trips to Japan, retracing the route Jianzhen travelled.
Their efforts struck a chord with the audience.
The opera made its debut in Japan in December 2016. The return of Jianzhen, or Ganji as he is known in Japan, caused a stir in the island nation where he is a household name.
Former Japanese prime minister Yukio Hatoyama, who attended the show's premiere, hailed the opera as "phenomenal".
Jianzhen died in Japan in 763, and a statue of him stands in Nara.
