Culture - Sports

22nd Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange 2026 opens

Japanese influence left a particularly profound imprint on the local land and people. More than four centuries ago, Japanese merchants sailed to Hoi An seeking trade and connection, bringing not just commerce but also Japanese culture, beliefs, arts and spirit. Remnants of the former Japanese quarter and the enduring image Japanese Covered Bridge still embody the cultural exchange and friendship between the two peoples.

An art performance at the opening ceremony (Photo: phunuonline.com.vn)
An art performance at the opening ceremony (Photo: phunuonline.com.vn)

Da Nang (VNA) – The 22nd Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange 2026 kicked off in the central city of Da Nang on May 22 evening.

In her opening remarks, Vice Chairwoman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Anh Thi said Hoi An ancient city is a heritage site rich in cultural traditions and was once a bustling international trading port in the 16th and 17th centuries, drawing merchant ships from across the globe.

According to the official, Japanese influence left a particularly profound imprint on the local land and people. More than four centuries ago, Japanese merchants sailed to Hoi An seeking trade and connection, bringing not just commerce but also Japanese culture, beliefs, arts and spirit. Remnants of the former Japanese quarter and the enduring image Japanese Covered Bridge still embody the cultural exchange and friendship between the two peoples.

The bridge restoration, completed two years ago in close cooperation with Japanese experts, and the establishment of a Vietnam-Japan Cultural Exchange Space in the heart of the ancient city stand as vivid proof of a shared commitment to preserving history and fostering ties between the two nations, Thi said.

Vietnamese and Japanese artists and artisans are joining the annual event series, which features immersive cultural spaces, reenactments of the procession of Princess Ngoc Hoa and merchant Araki Sotaro, displays of books and photos on the history of Hoi An-Japan cultural exchanges, traditional art performances, folk games and community interactions.

Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki said Japan has accompanied Hoi An in preserving its ancient town since the 1990s. For the restoration of the Japanese Covered Bridge - a symbol of Vietnam-Japan friendship, Showa Women’s University, Toyo University, the Japan Agency for Cultural Affairs and the Japan International Cooperation Agency began dispatching experts in 2022, with the project inaugurated in August 2024, he noted.

This year’s edition will also include Japanese language classes, calligraphy experiences, cosplay competitions, and photo and ceramics exhibitions, he added./.

​

VNA
#Hoi An ancient town #JICA Da Nang
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

The enduring appeal of Hoi An's heritage lies not in static structures, but in its vibrant presence in everyday life. (Photo: VNA)

Hoi An, Da Nang Int’l Airport named among world’s best

Hoi An has been named among “The 51 most beautiful places in the world” by British magazine Time Out, while Da Nang International Airport has, for the third consecutive year, secured a place in the world’s Top 100 airports by Skytrax.

Unlocking tourism potential of Hoi An’s southern coastline

Unlocking tourism potential of Hoi An’s southern coastline

The central city of Da Nang possesses nearly 200km of coastline – the longest in Vietnam, with scenic landscapes and favourable natural conditions for tourism and service development. However, only about half of this coastline has been utilised for tourism activities, mainly concentrated in central Da Nang and Hoi An Ancient Town. Large stretches of coastline south of Hoi An remain largely untouched, holding significant potential for future development.

See more

Consul General in Hong Kong and Macau Le Duc Hanh (right) and Vietnamese Cultural Ambassador to the AAFF Mai Thu Huyen (second, right) at the awards ceremony. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese movie earns Best Director Award at Asian Art Film Festival

The award ceremony took place on May 21 in Macau (China), where the film stood out for its authentic setting, refined cinematography and understated storytelling. The jury praised Leon Le’s direction for its emotional depth and visual sensitivity, which together helped the film resonate strongly with audiences.

A performance of “Kalinka” at the art programme “Hanoi – Echoes of a Thousand Years.” (Photo: VOV)

Hanoi cultural showcase in Moscow strengthens Vietnam–Russia ties

“Hanoi Culture Days in Moscow 2026” has helped deepen the longstanding friendship between Vietnam and Russia while creating new opportunities for cooperation in culture, education, tourism and people-to-people exchange, further strengthening ties between the two capitals and nations.

Residents and visitors enjoy cuisine at food stalls during the Da Nang Food Tour 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Da Nang Food Tour 2026 awakens “symphony of flavours” by sea

Cuisine is more than food to be enjoyed; it embodies the memories, culture and soul of each locality. In Da Nang, every flavour tells a story of the warm-hearted and hospitable people of central Vietnam, traditional craft villages, fishing voyages and everyday life along the coast through generations.

Photographs by photographer My Dung on display at the exhibition. (Photo: VNA)

Berlin exhibition showcases Vietnam’s maritime heritage and island spirit

More than 40 photographs by My Dung were featured at the exhibition. Born in Da Nang in 1959, the photographer has spent over 30 years pursuing the art form and is widely recognised for works inspired by Vietnam’s seas and islands. Through striking black-and-white imagery, his collection portrays the landscapes and everyday lives of fishing communities stretching from Mong Cai to Ca Mau, reflecting both the hardships and enduring spirit of people whose livelihoods depend on the sea.

“Echoes of the Fatherland” is the opening performance, staged as a grand choral and dance spectacle recreating the jubilant atmosphere across the country following the success of the 14th National Party Congress and the nation’s major celebrations. (Photo: VNA)

📝OP-ED: Building culture “immunity” through high-quality works of art

The representative of the Vietnam Cinema Association stated that in the context of today’s fourth Industrial Revolution, the requirement to respect and ensure historical authenticity through cinema has become more important than ever, as digital platforms and cyberspace have enabled the widespread dissemination of cross-border media products.

First Secretary of the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia Mai Nguyen Tuyet Hoa (right) presents valuable books to a representative of the Russia – Vietnam Cultural Centre at the Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia (Photo: VNA)

Russia – Vietnam cultural centre grows into hub for cultural exchange

With support from Saint Petersburg’s Committee for External Relations and the “Tradition and Friendship” Fund for Russia – Vietnam cooperation, more than 500kg of books were shipped to the Russia – Vietnam Cultural Centre at the Herzen State Pedagogical University, including publications on Vietnamese history and culture, as well as Vietnamese-language learning materials for overseas Vietnamese (OVs) and foreign learners.

A performance staged in service of the Ky Yen (Peace praying) Festival at communal houses and historical relic sites. (Photo: VNA)

New move opens pathways for creative market

The successful piloting of the culture and arts fund, together with the establishment of a professional cultural market, could open a new stage of development for Vietnamese culture and contribute more substantially to national development.

Organisers present individual awards to athletes competing in the 2026 National Triathlon Club Championships. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam triathlon aims higher on regional, global stage

The 2026 Asia Triathlon Cup – Tam Chuc and National Triathlon Club Championships attracted nearly 400 athletes from 31 countries and 13 localities nationwide, with competitors taking part in triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon events across multiple men's and women's categories.

Young people visit the exhibition. (Photo: VNA)

Exhibition highlights spirit of democracy, civic responsibility in Hue

The exhibition in Hue retraces the revolutionary history of Vietnam’s National Assembly as the highest representative body of the people and highlights President Ho Chi Minh’s role in founding and building the Democratic Republic of Vietnam - a state “of the people, by the people and for the people”.

2026 Sen Village Festival opens in Nghe An (Photo: VNA)

Sen Village Festival opens in Nghe An

In his opening speech, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Thai Van Thanh noted that over 45 years, the event evolved from “Songs from Sen Village” and the “Sen Village Singing Festival” into the Sen Village Festival in 2002. Since then, it has been staged annually at the provincial level and every five years on a national scale.

An Ao Dai performance at the event. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese cultural spirit shines through Ao Dai festival in Europe

Themed “the essence of Vietnamese Ao Dai", the event featured 19 performances and cultural activities, including ao dai showcases, musical performances, art exhibitions and interactive cultural spaces, offering audiences a vivid glimpse into Vietnamese culture in the heart of Europe.

A performance at the show (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese water puppetry draws crowds in Laos

Following two sold-out shows in Vientiane, Vietnam’s traditional water puppetry continued to pull in strong audiences. The 700-seat auditorium of the Savannakhet provincial cultural house was filled to capacity on both floors well before the show began.