Art Programme “Vietnamese Essence” Serves as a Cultural Bridge in Japan

On 14 June, the cultural and artistic exchange programme "Vietnamese Essence", under the theme "Honouring Vietnamese Culture in the Global Flow", was held in Japan.

Among those attending the event were Mr Nguyen Truong Son, Consul General of Viet Nam in Osaka; Mr Sakai Norihiro, President of the Japan-Viet Nam Friendship Association; Professor Chu Bao Que, Honourary Doctor-Professor, World Record Holder, and Deputy Secretary General of the Viet Nam Federation of UNESCO Associations; Vietnamese and Japanese artists; and a large number of members of the Vietnamese community and Japanese friends.

In his opening remarks, Consul General Nguyen Truong Son emphasised that "Vietnamese Essence" is a meaningful event that not only helped introduce and promote Viet Nam's distinctive cultural values to international audiences, but also provided an opportunity for the Vietnamese community in Japan to meet, exchange experiences, strengthen solidarity, and reconnect with their roots.

Mr Nguyen Truong Son expressed his delight at the participation of many renowned artists from Viet Nam, whose performances helped strengthen emotional ties to the homeland and enabled overseas Vietnamese in Japan to experience traditional Vietnamese cultural values while living abroad.

In her welcoming speech, Ms Le Thuong, President of the Vietnamese Association in the Kansai Region and Head of the Organising Committee, affirmed that culture is the soul of a nation and the thread that connects overseas Vietnamese with their roots, mother tongue, and the traditional values that have shaped the Vietnamese spirit for thousands of years.

In the context of globalisation, preserving Vietnamese cultural identity is not only important for overseas Vietnamese communities but also contributes to promoting the image of Vietnam and its people to international audiences.

According to the Organising Committee, "Vietnamese Essence" is not only an artistic performance programme but also a cultural space where Vietnamese cultural values are introduced, preserved, and shared. It is also an opportunity for the Vietnamese community in Japan to reflect on their journey of preserving the Vietnamese language, culture, and traditions while living far from home.

Professor and artist Chu Bao Que expressed his honour and emotion at participating in the programme. He stressed that as international integration continues to deepen, preserving and promoting traditional cultural values is not only the responsibility of cultural institutions and professionals but also a shared mission of every Vietnamese person, both at home and abroad.

According to the artist, Vietnamese cultural treasures such as Quan ho folk singing, Dong Ho folk paintings, and other traditional art forms are increasingly recognised and appreciated around the world, demonstrating the enduring vitality of Vietnamese culture.

He also expressed confidence that the Vietnamese community in Japan would continue to serve as active cultural ambassadors, helping strengthen the bridge of friendship between the two countries.

One highlight of this year's programme was the screening of the documentary "Nguoi Giu Hon Di San" (The Guardians of Heritage), which won the Golden Lotus Award in 2025. The film tells the stories of individuals who quietly dedicate themselves to preserving Viet Nam's traditional cultural values, conveying the message that culture can truly endure only when future generations continue to cherish, protect and promote it.

A special moment of the programme was artist Chu Bao Que's performance of the traditional Quan ho song "Ngoi Tua Man Thuyen". The event also featured artists from Viet Nam presenting the traditional Quan ho songs "Ai Xuoi Ve", the classical cheo performance "Gui Anh Khuc Hat Nghia Tinh", and the folk performance "Co Doi Thuong Ngan".

The artists delivered memorable performances rich in national identity, conveying their love for the homeland and the spirit of Vietnamese culture to the overseas Vietnamese community in Japan.

Through artistic performances, cultural storytelling and exchange activities, "Vietnamese Essence" helped inspire a sense of affection to the homeland among Vietnamese people in Japan while enabling international audiences to better understand a Viet Nam that is rich in tradition, cultural identity, and forward-looking aspirations.

The programme concluded in a solemn, warm, and emotional atmosphere, leaving lasting impressions on delegates, artists, members of the Vietnamese community, and Japanese friends alike.