Vietnam - Saudi Arabia melody resonates in the heart of Japan

For the first time, traditional music from Vietnam and Saudi Arabia resounded together in Japan in a special exchange program that recently took place at EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, attracting great attention from the international public.

According to the Department of International Cooperation (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism), the program is jointly organized by the Vietnam Exhibition House and the Saudi Arabia Exhibition House. Attending the event were Mr. Julien Guerrier, Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to Vietnam and many international visitors, demonstrating the growing interest of the international community in Vietnam's cultural exchange activities.

A performance combining traditional musical instruments of Vietnam and Saudi Arabia. (Photo: icd.gov.vn)

For the first time, the distinctive traditional sounds of Vietnam such as the monochord, T'rung, Klong Put and bamboo flute were heard alongside typical Saudi Arabian instruments such as the Qanun and Oud. The art space at the Saudi Arabian Exhibition Hall became lively and captivating as two seemingly unfamiliar musical styles blended magically, creating a symphony that transcended all cultural boundaries.

The highlight of the program was the famous Japanese piece “Homeland”, performed with a unique combination of the Vietnamese monochord and the Arabic Oud. The familiar melody was given a new look - both calm and profound - moving the audience with the subtle blend of three musical styles: Vietnam, Saudi Arabia and Japan.

At the end of the performance, the Japanese and international audiences stood up and applauded for 5 minutes, chanting “Vietnam” in unison as an emotional tribute to the artists. A representative of the Saudi Arabian Exhibition House shared: “We have organized many international exchanges, but this is the first time we have witnessed such enthusiastic love from the audience. We look forward to continuing to cooperate with Vietnamese artists."

Japanese and international audiences applauded profusely after the performance. (Photo: icd.gov.vn)

According to the Organizing Committee, the successful combination of two traditional music genres of Vietnam and Saudi Arabia at EXPO 2025 is not only a cultural mark but also opens up many opportunities for cooperation in the field of art and people-to-people exchange between the two countries.

International art exchange has always been a highlight in the activities of the Vietnam Exhibition House at World Exhibitions. At EXPO 2020 Dubai, the performances in collaboration with Malaysia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Philippines, Saudi Arabia and Cambodia created a deep impression, contributing to spreading the image of Vietnam to friends around the world.

Following that success, the program that just took place in Japan is a promising start for a series of Vietnamese art activities at EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai. The organizers said that in the coming time, international audiences will enjoy many more special performances with the participation of artists from Malaysia, Indonesia, Portugal and Poland.

Not only introducing traditional musical instruments and honoring national cultural heritage, Vietnam Exhibition House also aims to show the image of a youthful, creative and integrated Vietnam. Many talented young artists are invited to Japan to perform and collaborate with international colleagues, thereby spreading the message of a dynamic, rich in identity and inspiring Vietnam on the international stage.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/giai-dieu-viet-nam-a-rap-xe-ut-vang-len-giua-long-nhat-ban-214085.html