In June 2023, the image of President Vo Van Thuong's spouse and South Korean First Lady enjoying tea, watching ao dai (Vietnamese traditional long dress) performance and listening to music in Vietnam, conveyed a message about the relationship between two countries via cultural exchange.

The spouses of the two leaders of Vietnam and South Korea wore Vietnamese traditional ao dai. The ao dai worn by South Korean’s spouse Kim Keon-hee was a gift from the Vietnamese State President’s spouse Phan Thi Thanh Tam.

When the images of the tea party were published in the media, Vietnamese people who commented on forums that the South Korean First Lady looked like a beautiful Vietnamese woman.

At tea party, the two women enjoyed concerts with lyrics and melodies bearing typical characteristics of each country, such as ‘Arirang’, ‘Beo dat may troi’ (Floating water-ferns and wandering clouds), I love Seoul, and ‘Nguoi oi nguoi o dung ve’ (Stay, don’t go home).

Vietnamese music, fashion and food were presented to show diplomatic messages via culture.

In late July 2023, artists accompanied the Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong to Austria and Italy.

As part of an official diplomatic activity, Vietnamese music was impressively performed by Vietnamese artists in splendid auditoriums. 

Vietnamese Meritorious Artist Bui Cong Duy and Vietnamese artists performed at a music banquet on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Italy diplomatic relations establishment in Rome on the evening of July 26. Italian President Sergio Mattarella showed his interest in learning about two Vietnamese national musical instruments, Bau (monochord) and T'rung.

In addition to famous classical masterpieces, Vietnamese artists performed traditional music to senior leaders and audiences. 

Duy said the success of the Vietnamese President’s visits to Austria, Italy and the Vatican left good impressions among international friends.

“The programs were designed very well. The performances of Vietnamese traditional music through the ‘language’ of classical music can show the beauty of Vietnamese culture,” Duy said.

Hanoians in late September had a chance to enjoy the opera ‘Princess Anio’ held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan at the Hanoi Opera House. The opera was later introduced in Japan on October 26 – November 5.

The 2-year project with Vietnamese and Japanese artists includes the opera which is about the beautiful and faithful love story between Princess Ngoc Hoa and Sotaro - a Japanese businessman in the 17th century.

Ngoc Hoa went aboard a ship with her husband departing to Nagasaki, the husband’s homeland, with a promise to her parents that, after giving birth, she would return to visit her homeland. In the husband’s homeland, Ngoc Hoa was beloved by local people who called her "Anio san". However, Ngoc Hoa could not fulfill her promise because of the upheavals of the times. She lived the rest of her life in Japan but still ached for her homeland.

The opera helped convey a message about the close relations between the two countries.

“The idea and message of the opera are clear. We are honored to be assigned to implement the mission of connecting cultures and tightening the friendship between the two countries,” said Dao To Loan, who played the role of Princess Anio.

In October 2023, the Vietnam-Japan Festival Symphony Orchestra with artists selected from the orchestras of both countries, conducted concerts on six stages in six major cities in Japan, becoming a highlight of the cultural diplomacy marking half a century of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The concerts, conducted by Dong Quang Vinh, featured the past and present, eastern and western styles, classical and contemporary, and Vietnamese and Japanese characteristics.

Tran Thuong