"Pearls: Jewels from the Sea — Commemorating 40 Years of Friendship between Qatar and Japan"

As a symbol of its strong relationship with Japan, Qatar donated $100 million in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake last year. With diplomatic relations between the two countries marking its 40th anniversary this year, this exhibition is part of a series of events to commemorate the longevity of the two countries' bilateral relationship.

Though Qatar is now known for its oil, it was once a great exporter of natural pearls. Taking place in the city of Kobe, which has long spearheaded Japan's own pearl trade, this exhibition showcases a variety of Qatari pearl-encrusted jewelry; July 28-Oct. 14.

Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art; (078) 262-0901; 1-1-1, Wakihama Kaigan-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo; Iwaya Station, Hanshin Main Line. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ¥1,300. Closed Mon. www.artm.pref.hyogo.jp.