Delegates conducted the ribbon-cutting ceremony to kick off the program.
On September 29, at Tra Vinh University, the 3rd Vietnam-Japan Cultural Exchange Program in Tra Vinh Province was held. This event is one of the activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan (1973 – 2023).
The program was attended by Ms. Akane Mastuba, Second Secretary of the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam; Mr. Ono Masuo, Consul General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City; Mr. Le Van Han, Chairman of the Tra Vinh Provincial People's Committee; Mr. Le Thanh Binh, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; members of the Provincial People's Council and Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee; representatives of Japanese businesses both within and outside the province; leaders from provincial departments and branches, as well as students from Tra Vinh University.
During his opening speech, Chairman of the Tra Vinh Provincial People's Committee, Le Van Han, emphasized that Japan is one of Vietnam's most important and leading strategic partners, the largest bilateral development cooperation partner, and a long-standing traditional partner of Tra Vinh Province. In recent times, projects funded by the Japanese Government's ODA have brought significant economic benefits to the local population in project areas within the province.
Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, Le Van Han, delivering a speech at the program.
Chairman Le Van Han expressed his hope that the Consulate General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City will continue to facilitate connections and serve as a bridge for Japanese businesses looking to invest and develop in Tra Vinh Province. He also hopes to welcome Japanese tourists who want to explore the cultural heritage of Vietnam, especially in Tra Vinh Province. Simultaneously, he commits to creating favorable conditions for the people of Tra Vinh to study, work, and live in Japan, fostering cultural exchanges between the two nations and strengthening the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Japan.
Japanese Consul General Ono Masuo acknowledged the excellent development of Japan-Vietnam relations and thanked Tra Vinh Province for its efforts in promoting Vietnam-Japan cultural exchanges. Through various exchange and cooperation activities, he hopes that Japanese enterprises will increase their investments in Tra Vinh, thus contributing to enhancing the province's strengths. The Consulate General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City is eager to continue and deepen cooperation and strengthen the relationship between Japan and Tra Vinh, not only in culture and education but also across various other sectors.
Japanese Consul General, Ono Masuo, delivering a speech.
The opening ceremony of the 3rd Vietnam-Japan Cultural Exchange Program in Tra Vinh Province featured special performances, including "The Legend of Au Lac" dance and song, classical Khmer dance "Naga Snake God's Love," Japanese drum and fan dances, Isshokenmei dance, Yosshakoi dance, and more.
During the ceremony, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Le Van Han and Japanese Consul General Ono Masuo conducted the drum and flag-raising ceremony to celebrate the deepening and comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan, which is poised to reach new heights in the near future.
Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, Le Van Han, and Japanese Consul General, Ono Masuo, enjoying cuisine at the program.
Additionally, the event featured entertainment, cultural exchange, and culinary activities, including the exhibition of handicrafts, the introduction of local specialties, the promotion of Vietnamese-Japanese cuisine, traditional games, and various photography settings, such as the Torii Heaven Gate, Mount Fuji, Lantern Street, Incense Street, Umbrella Street, Apricot and Peach Gardens, and Crane-themed spaces.
Phuong An
Hoang Khiem (translator)