Vietnamese spirit in a foreign land

Spreading Vietnamese identity in Japan.

Mai Anh, a member of the V-Artists group, shared that the process of establishing and running the group was not easy. Most members are studying or working, so scheduling time to gather, brainstorm, and practice is always a challenge. “Getting the whole group to be present at a meeting or rehearsal sometimes requires waiting weeks. Each person has their own work and pressures, but everyone tries to cooperate and arrange their schedules so they don't miss a practice session,” Mai Anh said.

A traditional Vietnamese art performance during the "Proud of Our Homeland" program.

Not only did they lack time, but the group also lacked experience in organizing professional events. Every step, from scriptwriting to stage design, was learned as they went along. Funding was also limited, with most activities relying on the voluntary contributions of the members themselves. "Sometimes we prepared everything ourselves, from costumes and props to logistics. Although it was hard work, everyone felt happy because it was a shared effort and a love for Vietnamese culture," Mai Anh shared.

Their enthusiasm and dedication helped the group overcome difficulties step by step. From a few initial members, V-Artists has become a united team, participating in many activities promoting Vietnamese culture in Osaka. V-Artists' main activities focus on organizing and participating in cultural and artistic programs, performing traditional musical instruments, and folk-inspired songs to introduce the image of Vietnam to international friends. “When the zither music started playing, many young Japanese people were curious and asked to learn more. That’s when we felt proud that Vietnamese traditional music could touch the hearts of international friends,” Mai Anh emotionally recounted.

A memorable achievement for V-Artists was their participation in the Vietnam Festival in Osaka – an annual event that brings together a large Vietnamese community along with Japanese and international friends. The group presented traditional conical hat dances and lotus dances interspersed with modern performances, creating a fresh and innovative fusion. Japanese audiences not only enjoyed Vietnamese music but also felt the friendly and welcoming spirit of the Vietnamese people. Prior to this, V-Artists also organized the "Proud of Our Homeland" art program, attracting over 1,000 attendees including overseas Vietnamese, students, interns, and international friends from various locations in the Kansai region such as Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara.

The aspirations of Generation Z

What's interesting about V-Artists is that it doesn't just focus on one art form, but is divided into several smaller groups: Music, Dance, and Traditional Dance. This combination makes the program rich and relatable to young people, while still retaining the essence of Vietnamese culture. Thanks to this grouping, in addition to large events, V-Artists also participates in smaller activities with the community, such as celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival for Vietnamese children in Osaka, organizing lion dances, and children's songs. "Seeing children far from home still carrying lanterns and enjoying the Mid-Autumn Festival feast, we feel like we're bringing a piece of our homeland to the next generation. That's a great source of happiness," Mai Anh said.

For Mai Anh, her greatest pride is being Vietnamese. Far from home, every time she thinks back to her homeland on important holidays, she feels both regretful for not being able to participate directly and happy that there is still a Vietnamese community in Japan organizing events and preserving their identity together. “VAO – short for Vietnamese Artists in Osaka – is a name that reminds us, young Vietnamese people, that wherever we are, we can still do things to be proud of, constantly improve ourselves, nurture our dreams, live harmoniously, and spread patriotism and the strength of national unity. That is the best way to show gratitude to our homeland,” Mai Anh said.

The story of Mai Anh and V-Artists in Osaka is a testament to the strong vitality of Vietnamese culture in the hearts of young people. Amidst countless difficulties, they persevere in keeping the flame alive, weaving a cultural bridge between their homeland and international friends. These activities not only warm the hearts of the Vietnamese diaspora but also contribute to affirming patriotism and national pride – a spirit that always flows in the veins of every Vietnamese person. “VAO is not just for singing, dancing, and performing; more importantly, it’s a place for us to preserve and promote Vietnamese culture together, so that even living in a foreign land, each of us will always remember that we are children of our homeland,” Mai Anh shared.

Comment (0)