Hundreds of Vietnamese and Japanese residents in Da Nang and Hoi An participated in the annual Viet Nam-Japan Culture Exchange at the city's Administrative Centre Park yesterday.

The event, which will run until Sunday, displays pavilions of cuisine, traditional calligraphy, art performances and dances from different parts of Japan.

Visitors can try on a kimono, yukata, and paper folding (kirigami, origami) as well as tasting Japanese cuisines.

The event will also feature performance by Otawara artists along with demonstrations of Aikido, Sumo and Japanese sword play. 

Artists show off prize-winning photos in central region

Tran Bao Hoa, a photographer from the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak, won a gold medal in a central and Central Highlands region's photo competition.

His photo, Traditional Wrestling Festival at Vu Bon Commune, depicts two wrestlers competing in an earth bout with hundreds of people watching.

Hoa also bagged a bronze medal with his photo of a brocade weaving class in a village in the Central Highlands.

The Viet Nam Association of Photographic Artists (VAPA) presented three silver medals and four bronze medals as well as seven honourable mention prizes.

VAPA also presented five prizes for specific topics and three team awards.

An exhibition that opened yesterday at the Da Nang Museum will display the winning photos until next Friday.

The contest, which was launched on July 30, drew 155 photos from photo artists in Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, Gia Lai, Kon Tum, Dak Lak and Dak Nong.

India, VN reflect on relations

An exhibition reflecting diplomatic relations between India and Viet Nam opened yesterday at the War Remnants Museum in HCM City.

Indian – Viet Nam: For Peace and Development was jointly organised by the Consulate General of India in HCM City and the museum to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh, 70th anniversary of Viet Nam National Day, and 43rd anniversary of full diplomatic relations between the two countries.

It showcases 73 documentary photos and 160 published photos on official visits and trips held by Vietnamese and Indian leaders from 1954, depicting the support of Indian people during Viet Nam's revolution for independence.

The highlight of the exhibition is a series of photos about President Ho Chi Minh to India in 1958. The President had meetings with Indian leaders, scholars, cultural experts, students and people.

Press articles on the President's visit published by Vietnamese and Indian newpapers are also displayed.

A collection of books on Indian culture and poems on President Ho Chi Minh are included as well.

All exhibits are prepared and provided by the India – Viet Nam Solidarity Committee, and institutes and press in India.

Le Thanh Liem, vice chairman of the city's People's Committee, said at the exhibition's opening: "The exhibition gives young generation a deep understanding about the diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and India."

Indian Ambassador to Viet Nam Preeti Sara said the Indian and Vietnamese youth generation played an important role in promoting the relations of two countries.

The exhibition, which will end on October 30, can be seen at 28 Vo Van Tan Street in District 3.

VNS