A Japan Cultural Day in Quang Nam and the 16^th Hoi An-Japan Cultural Exchange kicked off in Hoi An city on August 17, as part of the activities to celebrate the 45^th anniversary of the Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations (1973-2018).

A Japanese dance at the opening ceremony. (Photo: baoquangnam.vn)

The events, which last until August 19, are jointly organised by the provincial People’s Committee, the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam, agencies, organisations and businesses in Quang Nam and Japan.

They are viewed as opportunities to expand relations and cooperation between the province and its Japanese partners in various fields, including culture, investment-trade, tourism, human resources development and labour.

After 16 years, the Hoi An-Japan Cultural Exchange has served as a cultural bridge connecting Japan with Vietnam and Quang Nam province in particular.

The two events also help introduce images of Quang Nam as a dynamic locality with great potential for development to international friends.

In his opening remarks, Vice Chairman of Quang Nam provincial People’s Committee, Le Van Thanh, said that Quang Nam recalled the long standing relations between the two countries, which have been tightened through bustling trade exchange activities and the wedding of Princess Ngoc Hoa and Japanese businessman Araki Soaro 400 years ago.

Quang Nam has actively fostered the cooperation and friendship with Japanese localities and trade partners, he said, noting that Japanese businesses have invested in 20 projects worth more than USD 720 million in the locality, which have positively contributed to the provincial development.

Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam, Umeda Kunio, expressed his delight that the two events are among more than 120 events being held in the two countries to mark the 45^th anniversary of the bilateral ties.

At the opening ceremony. (Photo: VGP)

Numerous cultural activities are set to take place during the events, such as introduction of the two countries’ folk games, traditional craft villages, along with re-enactment of ancient streets and cultural exchanges in different periods.

The Cultural Day also features cultural and arts exchanges by artists and singers from the two countries, as well as a meeting with Japanese investors, a seminar on building and developing smart cities in combination with environmental protection and a workshop on Japan’s educational experience.

Booths displaying handicraft products and signature dishes from Japan have also been setup during the three-day event./.

VNF