The ancient Hội An City in the central province of Quang Nam in Vietnam held the 20th Hội An- Japan Cultural Exchange Programme from 2-4 August 2024. The People’s Committee of Hội An City and the Consulate General of Japan in Da Nang co-organised the event. The festival is commemorated annually to promote the bilateral cultural relations between Vietnam and Japan that began a hundred years ago. The festival also publicises Hội An’s World Cultural Heritage worldwide.
The opening ceremony, held in the picturesque An Hội Sculpture Garden, was a testament to the collaborative spirit of the festival. It was graced by several individuals, organisations, and delegations from Japan and Hội An, Quảng Nam, who played a pivotal role in the event’s success. The ceremony reflected the festival’s rich history and featured multiple Japanese art troupes and famous Vietnamese singers, symbolising the solid cultural exchange between the two nations.
Mr. Mori Takero, Consul General Japan in Da Nang, emphasised the singularity of the festival in bringing together multiple traditional and historical aspects of the two countries. He expressed his pride in the history of cultural exchanges between the two countries.
The festival also marked a significant event- the inauguration of the Japanese Covered Bridge Restoration Project on 3 August. This bridge, a symbol of Japan’s historic engagement with Hội An, underwent extensive restoration, preserving its cultural and historical significance. The restored bridge is now open to the public, serving as a testament to the enduring cultural ties between Vietnam and Japan.
The festival also witnessed the “Re-enactment of the Wedding procession of Princess Ngọc Hoa and merchant Araki Sotaro” on the Goshuinsen ship in Hội An. The ancient story is a unique testament to the personal relations between citizens of Japan and Vietnam as the Vietnamese Princess Ngọc Hoa fell in love and married a Japanese merchant years ago.
Diverse activities were organised during the festival to highlight Japan’s culture and traditions. They included picture drawings, Japanese Calligraphy, the Premiere of the Opera “Princess Anio”, a Japanese Tea Ceremony, a Japanese culinary space, a Farmer’s Market, Japanese tourism promotion and accessory booths, etc.
Mr. Nguyen Van Lanh, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Hội An City, attributed the festival’s success to several vital organisers like the Japan Promotion Tourism Organisation, the Japan Cultural Exchange Centres, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan Business Association in Da Nang, Takara Company in Japan, the Opera Project Management “Anio Princess”, Yamaha Motor Vietnam Company, Mikazuki Japanese Resort in Da Nang, HUB Da Nang-Japan, etc. He reiterated the program’s significance in promoting the cultural ties between Japan and Vietnam.
Begun in 2003, the festival has witnessed continuous encouragement from locals and the government. Over the years, the relations between Japan and Vietnam, especially between Hội An City and other provinces of Japan, have only deepened. The strengthened relationship is rooted in mutual respect for each other’s culture and a determination to further diplomatic relations for the betterment of both nations.
Hoi An has been voted one of the world’s favourite cities. It has also been given the UNESCO tag of a Creative City. The festival allowed to spread the city’s historic values worldwide.
