Japan Philharmonic Orchestra to play free concerts in central Vietnam
The Japan Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) Five is playing free community concerts in three beautiful cities of Dang Nang, Hue and Hoi An during a central Vietnam tour on September 5-9, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Artists from the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra check a performance site in central Vietnam. (Photo courtesy of Tomo Usuda)
Da Nang (VNS/VNA) – The Japan Philharmonic Orchestra(JPO) Five is playing free community concerts in three beautiful cities ofDang Nang, Hue and Hoi An during a central Vietnam tour on September 5-9,marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The JPO performed at the Tran Dai Nghia secondary school in DaNang at 9am on September 6 for the new academy year before performing at the DaNang Oncology Hospital for cancer patients from 2.30pm.
The group will play a free show at the Duyet Thi Duong RoyalTheatre in Hue on September 7.
During a two-day performance in the ancient town of Hoi An, theJPO will begin the first day at the main hall of Central Park from 7.30pm onSeptember 8.
On the morning of September 9, the JPO will offer a performance at U Cafe – arendezvous of Japanese expats owned by Reiko Usuda -- at 120 Cong Chua Huyen Transtreet on the Hoai River bank at 9.30am.
Earlier, the group will play at Da Nang Hilton Opera on thenight of September 5.
JPO was established in 1956 and is considered one of the five leadingorchestras in Japan. They are also known for their unique community-basedapproaches and for organising creative programmes with children and hospitalpatients.
In 2018, the JPO's string quartet visited Da Nang and Hoi An for concerts,including playing for the patients at Da Nang Oncology Hospital, and children'screative programme at U Cafe.
JPO said there are amazing individuals who promote this event;they have dedicated their careers personally and taken advantage of theintertwined cultures of Vietnam and Japan, including Honna Tetsuji, PrincipalConductor of Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra; Ando Saeko, a lacquerpainting artist and Nakatani Akari, Youtuber and Actress in ‘Em va Trinh’.
It’s the second time of the year that Japanese conductor TetsujiHonna will join the performance in Da Nang as he leads the Vietnam NationalSymphony Orchestra (VNSO) to perform in the city on August 10 - the VNSOHoliday Concert 2023 - one of a series of activities being held in Vietnamby the Japanese Embassy in 2023./.
A ceremony to present awards for winners of a writing and painting contest promoting the Vietnam-Japan friendship opened in the central city of Da Nang on August 19.
Director of the Vietnam Sports Administration Dang Ha Viet on August 25 met with a U15 football team from Japan's Nagasaki prefecture who came to Vietnam for a friendly match, as part of the activities marking the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties.
The Vietnam Business Association in Japan (VJBA) has introduced a plan to organise the Vietnam-Japan Business Day, which is slated for November 2 and aims to promote exchange, experience sharing and connections in economy and trade between Vietnam and Japan.
Vietnam and Japan officially established diplomatic relations on September 21, 1973, and bilateral ties have developed in the time since and are currently at their best stage to date, developing strongly and comprehensively in all fields.
Nguyen Trong Nha Uyen has made history for Vietnam’s dancesport by clinching a bronze medal in the solo Latin category at the WDSF World Championship 2025 in Germany.
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This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
Artists from the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra check a performance site in central Vietnam. (Photo courtesy of Tomo Usuda) 
