DEEP TIES - Hội An will host its 18th 'Hội An-Japan Cultural Exchange' from August 26 to 28. VNA/VNS Photo by Trần Tĩnh

HỘI AN – The UNESCO world heritage site of Hội An will host its 18th “Hội An-Japan Cultural Exchange” from August 26 to 28.

The event, which was first held in 2003, aims to honour ties between Việt Nam and Japan and promote bilateral cooperation in multiple fields, particularly culture.

The event will begin with an opening ceremony at 7:30pm at the An Hội Sculpture Garden on August 26.

At the ceremony, famous Japanese singer Ueno Yuuka, who was appointed the Goodwill Ambassador for the Hội An-Japan Cultural Exchange, and Youtuber Nakatani Akari who acted in Em và Trịnh, the much-awaited film about the celebrated songwriter Trịnh Công Sơn, will share a stage with Vietnamese singer Noo Phước Thịnh at the An Hội Sculpture Garden.

It takes place along with traditional music and dance performances from local performers. It will also include a performance of Princess Anio, a joint-opera project between Japan and Việt Nam staged by Japanese and Vietnamese artists.

The opera is based on the love story between Sotaro Araki, a merchant from Nagasaki, Japan, and Princess Ngọc Hoa (called Princess Anio by Japanese) in Hội An, Việt Nam, during the era of the Shuinsen in the early 17th century.

It will premiere at Hà Nội Opera House in September 2023.

The wedding procession of Princess Ngọc Hoa and Araki Sotaro will be re-enacted at 4pm on August 27 at Cầu Pagoda as well.

The event will also include Việt Nam - Japan Culinary Space at the An Hội Sculpture Garden every evening, and a boat race will be held along the Hoài River at 8am on August 27.

Visitors can watch performances of cosplay, calligraphy and paintings, and participate in tours around Hội An.

A showcase of Japanese manga, and a farmers’ market featuring Japanese and local food will be set up as well. — VNS