The event was organized by the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) and Japan's Kyodo News. From August 3-9, a total of 50 impressive photographs will be displayed in Hanoi to introduce the friendly and cooperative relations between Vietnam and Japan over the past 50 years. The photos are taken from the valuable archives of both VNA and Kyodo News.

The special guests attending the opening ceremony include Member of the Party Central Committee, Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan Newspaper Le Quoc Minh and the President of Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Nguyen Phuong Nga, as well as representatives from ministries, agencies, the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam and so on.

Leaders of VNA and Kyodo News, with Honored guests, cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony (Photo: Nhung Nguyen).

Speaking at the opening ceremony on August 3, VNA General Director Vu Viet Trang believes this photo exhibition will help popularize Vietnam - Japan cooperation achievements over the long history of diplomatic relations. By looking back on the significant milestones and prominent events, said Trang, people from both countries can understand more about the journey of building and maintaining the extensive strategic partnership. Thereby, it brings hope to our long-lasting friendship and cooperation in the future, where both nations can march forward together.

In his remarks, Mizutani Toru, President of Kyodo News, showed his sincere gratitude to the organizing committee and the visitors for the success of the exhibition's opening in Hanoi. He reaffirmed that the images of projects completed through effective cooperation are carefully selected to symbolize the exchange and friendship between Vietnam and Japan in various fields. There are photos of national leaders' official visits as well as cultural exchange activities, affirming our extensive and diverse cooperation.

VNA and Kyodo organized the exhibition to show the public the outstanding photos taken by their respective photographers. These are lively evidence of the good friendship between Vietnam and Japan (Photo: Nhung Nguyen).

Kamitani Naoko (First Secretary, Head of the Press and Culture Department of the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam) said that the opening ceremony brought much joy and surprise, especially because she appeared in one of the photos at the exhibition.

"I was in the photo taken during the official visit of Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko [to Vietnam in 2017]. At that time, I was the interpreter for the Emperor and Empress. When in Hue city, the Emperor and Empress enjoyed listening to Hue's Royal Court Music. Rinyu-gaku (Japanese Royal Court Music) is believed to have been introduced in the 8th century by a Vietnamese monk. So there is a deeply-rooted connection between Vietnam and Japan thanks to people and music," said Kamitani.

When looking at the large-sized photo, at the center spot of the showroom, she feels even more proud to serve as a Japanese diplomat in Vietnam.

"During the 50 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan, I get to be a part of it for about 10 years. The photo shows me that I have played a small role in contributing to the development of the relationship [between Vietnam and Japan]," exclaimed Kamitani.

Kamitani Naoko (First Secretary, Head of the Press and Culture Department of the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam) at the exhibition (Photo: Nhung Nguyen).

Here are some captures of the opening ceremony:

Mr. Toru Mizutani, President of Kyodo News (Japan) is looking at photos marking economic cooperation between Vietnam and Japan. (Photo: Mai Anh)

Vietnamese artists perform Nha Nhac (Hue royal court music) at Daianji temple in Nara (Japan) on September 5, 2013. It is believed that, 1300 years ago, there was a Vietnamese monk who came to Nara and then introduced Nha Nhac to Japan.

Vietnamese volunteers prepared food and masks for expats at a temple in Tokyo amid the Covid-19 epidemic, taken April 29, 2020.

Motorcycle assembly line of Suzuki Vietnam Joint Venture Company (Visuco) at Loteco industrial park (Dong Nai).

Nhat Tan Bridge (Hanoi) - a symbol of Vietnam - Japan friendship.

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