Quang Nam (VNA) - The 19th “Hoi An-Japan Cultural Exchange” was held in the UNESCO world 💫heritage site of Hoi An in the central province of Quang Nam from August 4-6.

The event that mark the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan (September 21,1973- 2023), was kicked off with a lacquer paintingexhibition named “Microcosmos – Macrocosmos- Hoi An” by Japanese artist Saeko Ando. A series of cultural activities were also held duringthe festival such as a Vietnam-Japan art exchange, a boat race “Hoi An, Japanand tourists” on the local Hoai river, a re-enactment of the wedding procession of Princess Ngoc Hoa and Japanese merchant –Araki Sotaro, and a Japanese flower arrangementinstruction activity. Entertainment, cultural and culinary exchanges included an exhibition of documentary photos about the friendly cooperationrelationship between Hoi An and Japan, a wood carving exhibition “Hoi An ancienttrading port”, a tempura art exhibition, a Japanese calligraphy demonstration,Origami paper folding and Yukata rental service, among others. Nguyen Van Son, Chairman of Hoi An city’s PeopleCommittee, Quang Nam province, highlighted the ancient city is known as acradle of the Japan- Vietnam relations 400 years ago, when Japanese traders came to do business at the busy port town, making it their second home. Since then,the locality has continuously promoted collaboration, friendship exchanges withJapanese localities. The event created an opportunity to popularise and honor traditional cultures, enhancemutual understanding, and affirm the strong relationship between Vietnam andJapan while also attracting tourists to Hoi An - a city with a long history,convergence and absorption of international cultures and retaining the localtraditional beauty./.