BEIJING - Premier Wen Jiabao and former Japanese prime minister Taro Aso on Wednesday jointly launched the "Japanese Film and TV Week" at the National Museum of China, to promote cultural exchanges between young people from the two countries.

Aso, from Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party, is known to be an avid fan of comic books. He is currently in Beijing as a special envoy of Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan to introduce Japanese films, TV dramas and animation to the Chinese audience.

During his meeting with Aso, Wen said the Japanese side showed its sincerity to hold cultural events on schedule after overcoming various difficulties caused by the earthquake and tsunami on March 11.

He noted that comic books are popular among young people and he believes that cultural festivals would greatly enhance understanding and friendship between the people of the two nations.

The film week, to be held in Beijing and Shanghai through June 18, will feature 11 movies, including Akunin (Villain), which earned the best actress award at the Montreal World Film Festival, and Kaabee (Our Mother) by award-winning director Yoji Yamada.

Kyodo news quoted a Japanese official as saying that Japanese animation festivals will be held in Beijing and Shanghai in late November. Similar animation events were held in the two cities last November.

In Japan, similar events to introduce Chinese cultural works are scheduled for later this year.