Strengthening Hoi An – Japan culture exchange

From 28 to 30 August 2015, in Hoi An Ancient Town (Quang Nam Province), the 13th Hoi An – Japan Culture Exchange Program 2015 will be held by Hoi An City’s People’s Committee in coordination with Japanese Embassy and organizations in Viet Nam.

This is a unique culture – tourism event held annually since 2003 in World Cultural Heritage – Hoi An Ancient Town to strengthen exchange and cooperation between Viet Nam and Japan, whereby introducing and promoting the traditional values of the two countries.

The activities of this year’s Hoi An – Japan Culture Exchange Program will take place in some locations in Hoi An Ancient Town, including An Hoi Statue Garden, Hoai River Square, the house in No.106 Bach Dang Street, Duck Café (59 Nguyen Phuc Chu Street), stadium of Minh An Ward, Kazik Park, An Bang Beach, Chau Thuong Van Street and the arc of Pagoda-Bridge.

The highlight of the program is the opening ceremony at 19h45 in the stage of An Hoi Statue Garden. Besides, the program will also have other attractive activities, such as: the competition of handicraft carpentry skill; presenting and trying making Hoi An lanterns; displays of Hoi An – Japan handicraft products, Japanese anime and manga, Hoi An – Japan Bonsai; Hoi An – Japan art exchange; cuisine of Quang Nam and Japan; Vietnamese folk games for children (pot breaking, bai choi, stick pushing…) and Japanese folk games for children; sports activities (handball, football, bowling, boat racing…). Of which, many Japanese culture - art activities have become new trend attracting numerous Vietnamese young people, such as anime and manga cosplay, Yosakoi dance, Kendo, Kirigami papercraft, Nerikiri cake making, Yukata photo taking, Haiku poem display…

In addition, through the activities of “Tourism development associated with marine environment” meeting, “One hour for cleaner Hoi An” forum, “Hoi An – a smoke free city” parade, this year’s Hoi An – Japan Culture Exchange Program also want to send the massage of health and environment to local people as well as domestic and foreign tourists.

In particular, on 27 August (the 14th day of the seventh lunar month, Vu Lan Festival), in Hoai River and An Hoi Statue Garden, Hoi An Flower Lantern Festival 2015 will be held. The festival is expected to create impression with flower lantern installation art and the art program “Roses pinned on shirt” (Bong hong cai ao) to pay tribute the merit of parents.