On behalf of the citizens of Osaka , I am delighted that an exhibition of Japan 's traditional woodblock print known as "Ukiyo-e" will be held in our sister city, St. Petersburg , together with the artwork of the renowned Russian artist, Mikhail Shemyakin.

The City of Osaka is pleased to have assisted in the identification of the authors of the Ukiyo-e in the collection of the Russian-Japanese Fun "Yamato." It is therefore our sincere hope that this Ukiyo-e exhibition will help enhance interest for Japan and Japanese culture, and further strengthen the ties between Osaka and St. Petersburg , as well as between Japan and Russia .