Hoi An Cultural Exchange Route

Opening night of the 20th Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange event. Photo: QT

Open up opportunities for cooperation

Mr. Vo Phung - former Director of the Center for Culture, Sports and Information - Tourism of Hoi An City recalled that the Hoi An - Japan cultural exchange program took place for the first time in 2003, right on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan.

But before that, Hoi An and Japanese partners had initiated and had many connections to create this program, especially in 1998 when an event with the theme "Praying for Peace " took place in Hoi An with many new and unique activities.

This event was also attended by Mr. Sugi Ryotaro - former Special Ambassador of Vietnam - Japan and in the following time he was one of the people who actively promoted the establishment of the Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange program.

The 20th Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange in 2024 takes place from August 2 - 4 with a series of unique and outstanding activities such as: reenacting the wedding of Princess Ngoc Hoa and merchant Araki Sotaro; baseball, football, boxing, and wrestling exchanges; inauguration of the restoration project of the Japanese Covered Bridge relic; boat racing "Hoi An - Japan and tourists"...

Through 20 times of organization, the event "Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange" has opened up opportunities for cooperation and investment between Hoi An City and Japanese organizations and localities.

Through the Embassy of Japan, Hoi An City has received intellectual contributions and financial support from Japanese organizations for the preservation of the ancient town.

These include the JICA organization's support for the restoration of ancient houses; TAKARA Company's support for the construction of 3 public toilets in the old quarter; the collaboration of the Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange, the Japan Human Resources Cooperation Center; the cities of Sakai, Matusaka, Nagasaki, Oda...

At this event, the Institute of International Culture, Showa Women's University donated a model of the Japanese Covered Bridge to the Hoi An Museum, and the relevant parties held an inauguration ceremony for the "major restoration" of the Japanese Covered Bridge. These are testaments to the deep friendship that has lasted from the past to the present and will last forever in the future.

Hoi An City leaders presented flowers to thank partners who have contributed to the Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange event. Photo: QT

Opportunity for diplomatic relations with Sakai city

Not only taking place in Hoi An, the Hoi An - Japan cultural exchange program has been held twice in the "Land of the Rising Sun" in 2014 and 2024 in Sakai City (Osaka Prefecture). This opportunity originated from the story of Mr. Gusoku's grave.

In 2000, Mr. Gusoku Takeshi - President of Shichido Fruit Distribution Company learned that in Hoi An City there was a tomb named after Mr. Gusoku while watching an NHK program.

After confirming that it was his ancestor’s grave, Mr. Gusoku went to Hoi An in May 2000. There, he visited Minh Huong Phat Tu Pagoda and learned where his ancestors were buried. Mr. Gusoku was very moved and expressed his gratitude to the people of Hoi An for always taking care of and protecting his ancestors’ graves.

After returning to Japan, Mr. Gusoku told this story to Mr. Kato Hitoshi - then President of the Sakai City International Exchange Association (now deceased).

Mr. Kato Hitoshi, then a delegate of the Sakai City People's Council, was very moved and suggested to Sakai City to establish a working delegation to visit Hoi An City.

The delegation of 6 people, including Mr. Kihara Kesuke (then assistant mayor, later Mayor of Sakai City) had a working session with the leadership of Hoi An City. Since then, the relationship between the Sakai City International Exchange Association and Hoi An City has begun and has developed strongly until today.

When visiting Hoi An in 2003 and hearing the city's leaders talk about the plan to organize the Hoi An - Japan festival, Mr. Kato Hitoshi proposed to organize this event as an annual event and wished to organize the Hoi An - Japan festival in Sakai city.

The wish came true when the 12th Hoi An - Japan Festival was held in Sakai city on October 10 & 11, 2014.

This is the first time this festival has been held abroad with traditional art performances, Hoi An handicraft displays, and lantern making experiences.

Inheriting the wishes of Mr. Kato Hitoshi, his descendants and members of the Sakai City International Exchange Association cherish the relationship with Hoi An City and have always tried their best to contribute to further strengthening this relationship.

Source: https://baoquangnam.vn/chang-duong-giao-luu-van-hoa-hoi-an-nhat-ban-3139040.html