Artists reenact the wedding procession of Vietnamese Princess Ngọc Hoa and Japanese merchant Araki Sotaro. VNA/VNS Photo Bang Nhiệm

The 20th Hội An - Japan Cultural Exchange Programme kicks-off this week at Hội An City, Quảng Nam Province, with many activities planned to preserve and develop unique folk arts, attracting many tourists and locals to participate.

The ancient town is recognised as one of the locations where the relationship between Japan and Việt Nam started more than 400 years ago, with a thriving trading partnership at Hội An trade port.

To maintain and strengthen the relationship, the city has recently worked to foster friendship, cooperation and exchange in various fields with Japanese partners and communities, including the cultural exchange programme.

Reenactment of the wedding of Vietnamese Princess Ngọc Hoa and Japanese merchant Araki Sotaro, who felt in love and got married in Hội An. VNA/VNS Photo Bang Nhiệm

The programme is a unique cultural and artistic activity held annually since 2003. It has seen increased investment, jointly implemented by Vietnamese and Japanese artisans and artists.

Tourists and locals participate in the boat racing across Hội An City on the Hoài River. VNA/VNS Photo Bang Nhiệm

Nguyễn Văn Sơn, the chairman of Hội An City People's Committee [municipal administration], pointed out the long-standing friendship between the two countries as well as their shared history, culture, and customs.

"Continuing the journey of more than 400 years in history, the relationship between Japan and Hội An City has long been nurtured by generations through cooperation activities in many fields established between the city and Japanese organisations and localities," he said.

"On this occasion, the city held a ceremony to inaugurate the just completed renovation of the Cầu Pagoda. This is a strong testament to cooperation in the field of cultural heritage conservation and a bridge connecting the friendship between Hội An and Japan." -VNS

A Japanese tea master conducts a Japanese tea ceremony at the culture exchange programme. VNA/VNS Photo Bang Nhiệm

Tourists and locals visit the exhibition of ​​books and photographs about cultural exchange activities between the city and Japan. VNA/VNS Photo Bang Nhiệm

Tourists and locals experience a Japanese calligraphy class at the programme. VNA/VNS Photo Bang Nhiệm

A Japanese doll exhibition is held at the programme. VNA/VNS Photo Bang Nhiệm