BEIJING - Japanese pop group SMAP staged their first overseas concert in Beijing on Friday, performing various numbers that included Chinese-language versions of some of their hit songs in front of an audience of about 40,000.
The group had initially planned to hold concerts in China last year. However, they were forced to postpone them for various reasons, including a souring of Japan-China relations after an incident in which a Chinese fishing boat collided with Japan Coast Guard vessels near the Senkaku Islands.
The concert program included Chinese versions of "Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana" (The only flower in the world) and "Yozora no Muko" (Over the night sky).
After arriving in Beijing, the group received VIP treatment from the Chinese government. They were allowed to hold a press conference at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday, and they also met Tang Jiaxuan, a former state councillor.
Observers say the Chinese government is trying to take advantage of the opportunity to improve national sentiment toward Japan.
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