Mr. Le Van Dung (center), Chairman of the People's Committee of Quang Nam province, presents flowers to congratulate the leaders of Hoi An city and the Japanese Consul General in Da Nang.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Nguyen Van Son, Chairman of the People's Committee of Hoi An City, stated that this "Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange" event is of special significance, marking the 20th time that Hoi An City and its Japanese partners have jointly organized it, with increasing participation from organizations and businesses from both Japan and Vietnam. Notably, this year's event also features the participation of Mr. Sugi Ryotaro, former Special Ambassador of Vietnam to Japan, who has made significant contributions to initiating the annual Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange in Hoi An since 2003.
According to Mr. Son, with each edition, the programs are increasingly elaborately produced, blending traditional and modern elements, thanks to the collaborative efforts of artisans, artists, and singers from Vietnam and Japan.
Many activities have become unique hallmarks and distinctive cultural tourism products, such as: the Chau An Thuyen exhibition space, the Japanese Culture Exhibition House at 6 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, the reenactment of the wedding of Princess Ngoc Hoa and Japanese merchant Araki Sotaro, and activities involving culinary exchanges and performances of traditional Japanese and Hoi An, Quang Nam cultures.
"This year's event will also include many new and exciting experiential programs and activities with diverse cultural colors. In particular, the city will hold the inauguration ceremony for the restoration project of the Japanese Bridge – a strong testament to cooperation in the field of cultural heritage preservation and a bridge connecting the friendship between Hoi An, Vietnam and Japan from the past to the present and future," Mr. Nguyen Van Son emphasized.
The Chairman of the People's Committee of Hoi An City shared that Vietnam and Japan are two nations with many similarities in history and culture, and have a long tradition of friendly relations. Hoi An City - Quang Nam is known as one of the places where the relationship between Vietnam and Japan originated through the bustling trade activities at Hoi An port in the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as the beautiful historical relationship between Princess Ngoc Hoa and merchant Araki Sotaro - from Nagasaki province.
Mr. Nguyen Van Son, Chairman of the People's Committee of Hoi An City, delivered the opening speech at the event.
Delegates attending the opening ceremony of the event.
Continuing a history spanning over 400 years, the relationship between Japan and Hoi An today is continuously nurtured and strengthened by successive generations through cooperation in various fields established between Hoi An and Japanese organizations and localities. The "Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange" is a unique cultural and artistic event held annually since 2003. Having been organized 19 times, it has left a deep impression and continues to receive attention and support from many localities, organizations, and individuals in Japan and Vietnam.
"The successful organization of the event over the years has contributed to enhancing mutual understanding, strengthening the close and affectionate relationship between the people of the two countries; conveying a message of enduring friendship, overcoming all obstacles and difficulties, and together looking towards the future," Mr. Son said.
Japanese Consul General in Da Nang , Mori Takero, delivered a speech at the event.
Speaking at the event, the Japanese Consul General in Da Nang, Mori Takero, expressed his deep gratitude to those who have contributed to promoting relations between Japan and Hoi An over the years, especially those who have worked tirelessly to maintain this event in Hoi An city, Quang Nam province.
"I believe the driving force behind this event being held 20 times consecutively is the shared desire of both Japan and Hoi An to cherish and preserve history. As part of the series of events, on the morning of August 3rd, there will be the 'Hoi An and Japan Cultural Exchange – A Journey Connecting Cultures' event and the premiere of the opera 'Princess Anio'. This is a love story from 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.
The opening ceremony featured performances by traditional Japanese art troupes and famous singers such as Hien Thuc, Pham Dinh Thai Ngan, the Kolme band, and Anirock from Japan, along with traditional performances from Hoi An.
The 20th Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange event, taking place from August 2nd to 4th in Hoi An Old Town and Park, features many unique activities such as: the "Japanese Doll" exhibition and the "Dialogue with Ukiyo-e Painting" art exhibition; a "Reenactment of the wedding of Princess Ngoc Hoa and merchant Araki Sotaro"; a boat race titled "Hoi An - Japan and Tourists"; a football match between Hoi An children and the coaching staff of Kawasaki Frontale Club (2021 J-League champions); baseball, boxing, and wrestling demonstrations; stick pushing and sack racing competitions...
In addition, there are a series of unique activities showcasing the beauty of traditional Japanese culture, such as: Children's painting in Hoi An - Japan, screening of the opera "Princess Anio", Japanese calligraphy instruction, Japanese tea ceremony experience, Hizen pottery painting experience, a local market; Japanese food space, stalls selling accessories and promoting Japanese tourism, photo opportunities, etc.
In particular, on this occasion, the city of Hoi An will hold the inauguration ceremony for the restoration project of the Japanese Bridge at 4:30 PM on August 3rd. The Japanese Bridge is an iconic monument of Hoi An city and a profound testament to the presence and cultural exchange of Japan in Hoi An. After many years of restoration and repair with the consultation of many experts from Vietnam and Japan, the Japanese Bridge is once again present to the public.
Source: https://toquoc.vn/khai-mac-su-kien-giao-luu-van-hoa-hoi-an-nhat-ban-lan-thu-20-20240802223010548.htm
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