Hoi An-Japan Cultural Exchange: Culture leads to diplomatic relations

(QNO) - The 15th Hoi An-Japan Cultural Exchange 2017 (in Hoi An city, Quang Nam province) was held with more activities than previous events. In the farewell speech, there was a next-year’s appointment. This annual event keeps the Hoi An-Japan diplomatic relations everlasting.

A performance of Vietnamese-Japanese traditional instruments

The 15th Hoi An-Japan Cultural Exchange lasted 3 days (August 18-20) with a lot of activities such as art exhibitions and exchanges, sports, folk games, street art shows and so on. Vietnamese and Japanese artists were very enthusiastic about this event.

Traditional cultural intercourse

The wedding of Princess Ngoc Hoa and Japanese merchant Araki Sotaro once again reappeared on the street through Japanese Bridge. It is attractive to visitors because of its uniqueness. The delegation of receiving bride was led by the Nagasaki’s dragon dance team followed by two lines of fashionable young men and women. Men were in Japanese traditional costumes and women in Vietnamese traditional cloths. The characters Ngoc Hoa and Sotaro sat on a model of the 17th-century Japanese merchant ship…

Besides, a lot of Japanese traditional cultural activities happening in the event showed the steadfast friendship between Vietnam and Japan in general, Hoi An and Japanese cities in particular. It was also the chance for everyone to enjoy and experience Vietnamese and Japanese cultural and art activities including photo exhibitions on 14 years of Hoi An-Japan exchange; Cherry blossoms in Hoi An; the Japanese ancient mark tour; Origami paper folding; Judo performances; Vietnamese-Japanese traditional musical performances; etc.

Reappearance of the wedding of Princess Ngoc Hoa and Japanese merchant Araki Sotaro.

Japanese friends

Hoi An culture is inherently based on external exchanges and interaction. So, Hoi An is well-known as a place of cultural diversity. Hoi An people seem accustomed to the appearance of foreign friends, especially the Japanese. Friendly smiles are the first and deepest connection.

A Japanese song was performed by Hoi An students of Japanese classes.

Talking about Japanese classes in Hoi An, people cannot help mentioning the Tokyo Shirubarkai Art Association (Japan). It is the organization for the elderly that take a mission of conveying Japanese language and culture to the world. In Hoi An, there are some free Japanese classes where not only the language but also Japanese traditional songs and dances are taught.

At the 15th Hoi An-Japan Cultural Exchange, there was the participation of representatives from Matsuzaka, Sakai, Nagasaki cities, Japanese organizations and individuals. Within the framework of the exchange program, the Takara Corporation (Japan) handed over the toilets in the An Hoi Garden. Especially, students of the Wasedo University brought to Hoi An fashion publications and books published by themselves with the purpose of introducing the new Japanese generation to young people of Vietnam.

The event closed with a lot of chances for cooperation, exchange and development, with an appointment of the next year.