LookAtVietnam – A very large Japanese contingent joined Hoi An residents and Vietnamese scholars for the seventh annual Vietnam-Japan Cultural Exchange.

Japanese drum performance.

Marking the 10^th anniversary of Hoi An’s recognition as a World Cultural Heritage Site, over 500 Japanese experts, artists, businessmen and volunteers arrived in the ancient trading port on August 14 for the three-day Vietnam-Japan festival.

The Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam, Mitsuo Sakaba, observed happily that “this summer, the ‘Japanese street’ that dates back 400 years has been restored during the Vietnam-Japan Cultural Exchange Days. This event is held to bring the Vietnam-Japan friendship to new heights.”

Sakaba explained that “ten years ago, when Hoi An was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site, many Japanese experts came here. They stayed to continue preservation efforts. This reminds us of the profound level of Japanese-Vietnamese cooperation more than 400 years ago.

Five Japanese art troupes performed during the festival, including the Takatomi Seiungumi Japanese Drum Troupe, a music show by the Gypsy Queen band, tap dancing performance by Rhythm Collection, a solo drum show by Aya and a piano performance by Higuchi Ayuko.

Participants witnessed traditional Japanese cultural activities such as the tea ceremony, had their photos taken in a yukata (summer kimono) costume, sampled Japanese dishes, played Japanese games and enjoyed kimono fashion shows.

Over 30 booths highlighted Vietnam’s regional cultures. Highlights included the casting of a Dong Son bronze drum using traditional techniques and a lecture by Prof. Dr. Tran Van Khe.

On August 15th and 16^th, 15 seminars on “Hoi An – Ten Years As a World Cultural Heritage Site”, attracted many Asian experts, around 300 students from nine universities in Vietnam, and representatives of five Japanese universities.

At the last seminar on August 16th, Tsuno Motonori, chief representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Vietnam, read the “Hoi An Joint Declaration 2009”. The declaration suggested steps to improve the preservation and sustainable development of Hoi An relics.

In the afternoon of August 16^th, the people of Hoi An and Japanese guests celebrated UNESCO’s designation of Cu Lao Cham (the ‘Cham Islands’) offshore from Hoi An as a World Biosphere Reserve.

VietNamNet/Tuoi Tre