TOKYO – The Vietnamese Embassy in Japan organised the closing ceremony and award presentation for the first-ever "I Love My Mother Tongue" singing contest on July 13.

The event, held by the Vietnam Association for Rights Protection of Music Performing Artists (APPA) with the support of the Vietnamese Embassy, Vietnam Union Association in Japan (VUAJ) and Association for Liaison with Overseas Vietnamese, drew significant interest from both the Vietnamese community and Japanese residents with a fondness for Việt Nam.

Members of the organisation board pose with winner Nguyễn Trần Bảo Trinh (2nd right) who won the gold medal of the singing contest. — VNA/VNS Photo

It aimed to promote the preservation of Vietnamese language and culture, as well as enrich the cultural life of Vietnamese people living abroad. This edition in Japan marked the fifth edition of the competition, which was held successfully in various European and Southeast Asian countries.

The contest kicked off on May 1. Despite their young age, over 200 contestants participated in the competion, showcasing traditional Vietnamese folk melodies imbued with ethnic identity and expressing their love for their homeland and pride in Vietnamese culture.

Following two rounds of competition, the top 17 finalists advanced to the final round on July 13. The sole gold medal went to Nguyễn Trần Bảo Trinh for her captivating performances of Lý Ngựa Ô (Song about The Black Horse) and Thương Ca Tiếng Việt (The Song of Beloved Vietnamese Language). VNA/VNS