Tokyo (VNA) – Vietnam’s role as chair of the Ikebana International Fair 2024 provided a valuable opportunity to foster cultural exchange and strengthen the friendship between Vietnam and Japan, a diplomat has said.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu made the remark at a ceremony held on April 3 to celebrate the success of the Ikebana International Fair 2024 . The gathering was attended by Princess Takamado, Honorary President of Ikebana International; Ishiba Yoshiko, wife of the Japanese Prime Minister; spouses of senior Japanese officials; spouses of many countries' ambassadors to Japan; and over 30 leading Ikebana artists of Japan.
A highlight of the event was a cherry blossom (sakura) tree planting ceremony within the precincts of the Vietnamese Embassy. Princess Takamado and other distinguished guests joined in the planting. It symbolised the Princess’s appreciation for the embassy’s efforts in organising the Ikebana International Fair 2024, which took place last December.
In her speech, Princess Takamado commended the embassy for its contributions to popularising the cultures of and strengthening the friendship between the two countries.
She emphasised that planting a cherry blossom tree—a treasured tradition of Japan—at the embassy during the peak bloom season was a meaningful symbol of bilateral ties. The Princess expressed her hope that this commemorative tree will grow strong and bloom as beautifully as the Vietnam - Japan relations.
Ambassador Hieu expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Princess Takamado for the cherry blossom tree, calling it a great testament to the enduring friendship between Vietnam and Japan. He noted that Vietnam’s chairmanship of the Ikebana International Fair 2024 helped promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges, building upon the milestone celebration of 50 years of the bilateral diplomatic ties.
As part of the event, the embassy also showcased a unique Vietnamese floral art performance—3D flower carving on jelly. Guests, including Princess Takamado and the wife of the Japanese Prime Minister, had the opportunity to create 3D jelly flowers under the guidance of Vietnamese artisan Tran Phuong Nga./.
