HỘI AN — The historic city of Hội An will re-enact a 17th century wedding parade held for Princess Ngọc Hoa and Japanese businessman Araki Sotaro in the old quarter as part of the 14th annual Hội An-Japan Culture Festival on August 18-20.

The city’s Culture and Sports Centre said the parade marks the relationship between the Japanese community and Hội An city 400 years ago when Japanese traders docked at the busy trading port.

The homes built by many of these traders have been preserved.

Local residents preserve the tombs of Japanese traders who died in Hội An in the 17th century. The oldest was Tani Yajirobei’s, who is believed to have died in 1647, and his records include the oldest and clearest information related to his life, including a love affair with a local woman.

The love story reflected the close relationship between Japanese traders and Hội An residents during a wealthy period of the town’s history in the early 17th century.

Japanese singers Min, Ueno Yuuka, One Asia Join Concert band, and the Hà Nội Sennen Yosakoi Dance team will perform at the festival along with local folk art troupes.

Vietnamese and Japanese participants will demonstrate cosplays and martial arts performances of karate, judo, Vietnamese traditional Vovinam, while craftsmen will offer visitors traditional Yukata try-ons, origami (paper folding) and local lantern making.

Artist Nguyễn Quốc Dũng will display his photo collection at the city’s Sculpture Park on the Hoài River bank, while French photographer Rehahn will display his photos from his trans-Việt Nam field trips.

The city will also exhibit photos of the co-operation between Hội An and Japan in the last two decades. — VNS