(The wisteria park is crowded with tourists.)

Fujimoto is amazed by Shanghai’s recent development and his words gushed out:“The shanty houses 30 years ago have now been replaced by modern buildings, bicycles have turned into cars, newly established galleries and music halls look magnificent, metro lines are all connected to the city center, and public toilets are much more hygienic.” Fujimoto smiled at the reporter and stated that the level of happiness and education have both increased by a large margin. He is always happy to talk about the growth over the past 30 years.

At the end of the interview, Fujimoto said, “I am now 86 years old. I wish to have half of my ashes buried in Japan and half under these wisterias because Shanghai is my second homeland and I love my Chinese friends.”

(Fujimoto’s wishes for China：I hope these wisterias can connect the hearts of Chinese and Japanese peoples as a symbol of Sino-Japanese friendship which will continue to blossom and flourish.)

Story by Fan Yicheng

Translated by Ma Yichuan