Comedy to the power of two equals understanding

Editor's note: China Daily presents the series Friends Afar to tell the stories of people-to-people exchanges between China and other countries. Through the vivid narration of the people in the stories, readers can get a better understanding of a country that is boosting openness.

Two comedians are on stage, one dressed in traditional Japanese clothes and the other in a traditional Chinese robe, their repartee captivating the raucous audience.

This performance of the Chinese comedic form xiangsheng, or crosstalk, featuring a Japanese performer and a Chinese performer, took place during the International Humor Art Festival in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province, about 10 months ago.