Gia Lai: The rhythm of gongs and traditional martial arts spirit spreads in Japan

Recently, with the approval of the Provincial People's Committee, the Gia Lai delegation participated in the Vietnam National Day at the World Exhibition EXPO 2025 from September 7 to 11. In the special art program of the Vietnamese artist delegation, athletes from the Binh Dinh Traditional Martial Arts Center, the gong and traditional music artists of the province participated in 4 programs, bringing many special performances.

Mr. Kato Hirosuke, Chairman of the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Association in Sakai City (standing 7th from left) visited and congratulated the traditional martial arts and gong troupe of Gia Lai province after completing their performances at the Vietnam National Day program. **Photo: DVCC**

The martial arts music "Tay Son's Heroic Spirit" performed by athletes from Binh Dinh Traditional Martial Arts Center is a newly created program, staged with martial arts excerpts, choreography, and music, creating a youthful and modern look for the audience.

Coach Nguyen Van Canh, in charge of the martial arts content of the provincial traditional martial arts team, said: The performance was staged with close coordination between the choreographer and the athletes with a solid technical foundation and good musical perception. In this participation, the team practiced thoroughly, adjusting some details to bring a performance that both expressed tradition and had a new, modern feel; at the same time, skillfully incorporating martial arts and weapons typical of the land of martial arts.

Traditional martial arts performance by athletes from Binh Dinh Traditional Martial Arts Center. **Photo: Van Hoa Newspaper**

As someone with a lot of experience performing at events and cultural exchange programs, athlete Tran Thuy Vy (Binh Dinh Traditional Martial Arts Center) expressed: “Like the previous times, I want to introduce the unique features of Binh Dinh traditional martial arts in particular and Vietnamese culture in general to international friends. Being able to directly promote the national cultural identity in a foreign country is a great honor, bringing me indescribable joy and pride.”

Also at this program, the gong and traditional music troupe of the province also made a strong impression on the audience with performances: Central Highlands Concert Full Moon Festival Night, Warm and Prosperous Village...

This time, both young faces and old artisans participated. Outstanding among them was Meritorious Artisan Ro Cham Tih (born 1973, Ia Hrung commune) - the oldest artisan of the troupe, who performed on stage with his love for traditional culture. From the elders in the village, he learned how to make and perform folk musical instruments and play gongs, persistently preserving them to bring the echoes of gongs far and wide, spreading them to international friends.

The sound of gongs and traditional music of Gia Lai province resounds in the land of the rising sun. **Photo: Van Hoa Newspaper**

Members of the Gia Lai troupe also felt excited and thrilled when watching each performance. The performances of the artists and athletes made a special impression thanks to their performance techniques, creating a colorful and attractive sound. Thereby, bringing the audience into a vibrant cultural space.

Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Huynh Thi Anh Thao shared: Each performance in the Vietnam National Day has its own color and attracts the attention of a large audience in Japan. In particular, the Gia Lai delegation participated with a force of artisans and athletes who are day and night preserving the heritage, fully conveying the characteristics and uniqueness of their national culture.

"I believe that those impressions will remain in the hearts of the audience and become a bridge for Gia Lai culture in particular and Vietnam in general to get closer to international friends" - Ms. Huynh Thi Anh Thao expressed.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/gia-lai-nhip-cong-chieng-hao-khi-vo-co-truyen-lan-toa-tai-nhat-ban-post566246.html