Opening of Hoi An Cultural Exchange

An art performance at the opening ceremony. Photo: PV

Attending the program were Mr. Ta Van Ha - Deputy Chairman of the Committee. Committee on Culture and Education of the National Assembly, National Assembly delegate of Quang Nam province; Consul General of Japan in Da Nang Mori Takero; Representative of UNESCO Office in Hanoi...

Also attending the program were representatives of leaders of many localities, organizations and businesses from Japan.

Quang Nam provincial leaders attended the program. Photo: PV

On the Quang Nam side, there were Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, Head of the Provincial National Assembly Delegation Le Van Dung and comrades in the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee.

Vietnam and Japan are two nations with many similarities in history, culture and a long tradition of friendly exchange. Hoi An City - Quang Nam is known as one of the places that started the relationship between Vietnam and Japan through the bustling trading activities at Hoi An port in the 17th and 18th centuries as well as the good relationship in history between Princess Ngoc Hoa and merchant Araki Sotaro - from Nagasaki province.

Continuing the journey of more than 400 years in history, the relationship between Japan and Hoi An today has always been inherited and nurtured by generations through cooperation activities in many fields that have been established between Hoi An and Japanese organizations and localities. The event "Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange" is a unique cultural and artistic activity that has been held annually, continuously since 2003 until now.

Chairman of Hoi An City People's Committee Nguyen Van Son speaks at the opening ceremony. Photo: PV

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chairman of Hoi An City People's Committee Nguyen Van Son said that this "Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange" event has a special significance, marking the 20th time Hoi An City and Japanese partners have coordinated to organize it with the increasing participation of organizations and businesses from both Japan and Vietnam.

In particular, this year's event also had the participation of Mr. Sugi Ryotaro - former Special Ambassador of Vietnam - Japan, who has made important contributions to initiating the annual Hoi An - Japan cultural exchange activities in Hoi An, since 2003.

Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Le Van Dung (center) presented flowers to congratulate the leaders of Hoi An City and the Japanese Consul General in Da Nang . Photo: PV

"In addition to the activities that have become unique marks and unique cultural tourism products through previous events, this year's event also has many new and attractive programs and experiences with many cultural colors. On this occasion, the city will hold the inauguration ceremony of the Japanese Covered Bridge Relics Restoration Project - a strong testament to cooperation in the field of cultural heritage conservation and a bridge connecting the friendship between Hoi An, Vietnam - Japan from the past to the present and the future", said Mr. Nguyen Van Son.

Consul General of Japan in Da Nang Mori Takero speaks at the program. Photo: PV

Consul General of Japan in Da Nang Mori Takero expressed his deep gratitude to individuals and organizations that have contributed to promoting the relationship between Japan and Hoi An up to now, especially those who have made every effort to maintain the organization of this event in Hoi An city, Quang Nam province.

"I think the driving force that helps the event be held 20 times in a row like this is the common desire of both Japan and Hoi An to respect and preserve history. As part of the series of events, tomorrow morning there will be the event "Cultural Exchange Hoi An and Japan - Journey of Cultural Connection" and the premiere of the Opera "Princess Anio". This is a love story about 400 years ago between ARAKI Sotaro, a merchant from Nagasaki and Princess Ngoc Hoa - a princess of the Nguyen Dynasty", said Mr. Mori Takero.

Another exciting performance by a band from Japan. Photo: PV

Also at the opening ceremony, there were many special art performances by traditional Japanese art troupes such as Kagura snake dance, famous singers such as Hien Thuc, Pham Dinh Thai Ngan, Kolme and Anirock music groups from Japan along with traditional performances from Hoi An...

The 20th Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange Program in 2024 will take place from August 2 - 4.

Source: https://baoquangnam.vn/khai-mac-giao-luu-van-hoa-hoi-an-nhat-ban-lan-thu-20-3138945.html