Japanese cherry flowers (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – A cultural exchange programme between Hanoi and Japan opened in the capital city on March 19.
Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung underlined culture as a key pillar to promote cooperation, mutual understanding and trust between the two countries and peoples.
Chairman of Japan’s Wanokai International Culture Association Sato Mitsugu said he hopes the cultural exchange programme will help tighten the friendship and cooperation between Japan and Vietnam, and with Hanoi in particular.
Several Japanese singers including Itsuwa Mayumi and the girl band Momoiro Cloverz and a drum club from Sagamihara high school performed at the opening ceremony.
Two hundred cherry blossom trees selected carefully from the southernmost prefecture of Okinawa were presented as gifts to Hanoi. The climate and soil in the Japanese prefecture are similar to that of the capital.
The trees will be planted at Hoa Binh Park and cared for by Japanese experts.
Visitors to the cultural event have the opportunity to admire 10,000 Japanese cherry flower branches.
They are also treated to various cultural activities such as a photo exhibitions on Vietnamese and Japanese heritage; Vietnamese folk music like “ca tru” (ceremonial singing), “chau van” (spiritual singing) and “cheo” (traditional opera); martial arts performances; and lion dances.-VNA
