Idemitsu Vietnam Accompanies the Japan – Vietnam Goodwill Cultural Event Series

On May 16, Idemitsu Vietnam was honored to accompany the Japan-Vietnam Goodwill Cultural Event under the theme “Connecting the culture through Folktales and Music”, held in Thanh Hoa Province.

This event was part of the Japan–Vietnam Goodwill Cultural Exchange Series, under the overarching theme “Connecting the World through Folktales and Music”, aiming to promote cultural exchange between the two countries through traditional forms of expression – folktales and music. In addition to Thanh Hoa Province, the event was also held in Hanoi on May 12, Ha Tinh Province on May 14, and Nghe An Province on May 15. The event was organized by Japanese companies having projects in North-Central Vietnam including Idemitsu Vietnam Co.,Ltd. with the support of the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam and Ministry of  Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam.

The event in Thanh Hoa was honored by the attendance of Mr. Nguyen Doan Anh, Secretary of the Thanh Hoa Provincial Party Committee, and Mr. Ito Naoki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Vietnam, along with other provincial leaders, members of the delegation of the Embassy of Japan, and representatives of Japanese companies based in Thanh Hoa such as Nghi Son 2 Power LLC, Nghi Son Cement Corporation , Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical LLC (NSRP), among others.

The Japan-Vietnam Goodwill Cultural Event under the theme “Connecting the culture through Folktales and Music”, held in Thanh Hoa Province

Mr. Ito, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Vietnam delivered the opening speech of the event

Mr. Nguyen Doan Anh, Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and provincial leaders attended the Vietnam-Japan Cultural Exchange event

During the event, Vietnamese and Japanese artists collaborated to perform poetry and folktales, presenting a series of vibrant cultural performances featuring traditional musical instruments that showcased the rich cultural identities of both countries.

The highlight of the program was a performance combining the Vietnamese legend “The Legend of Hoan Kiem Lake” with ancient Japanese poetry, through the storytelling of People’s Artist Le Khanh and accompanied by pianist Motoki Hirai. Additionally, a string quartet from the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra contributed to bringing the audience into an emotional cultural exchange space.

People’s Artist Le Khanh reciting poetry, accompanied by pianist Motoki Hirai

The Japan – Vietnam Goodwill Cultural Event is an extension of the international project “”Connecting the world through Folktales and Music”, which originated from the initiative “Japanese Comics/Folktales to the World” launched in 2007. Over nearly two decades and in more than 20 countries, the project has harnessed the combined power of storytelling, music, and visuals to promote cross-cultural understanding and raise public awareness of global issues such as peace, education, the environment, and healthcare.

A representative of Idemitsu Vietnam met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Vietnam, as well as the Party Secretary and senior officials of Thanh Hoa Province.

By supporting the Japan-Vietnam Goodwill Cultural Event Series, Idemitsu Vietnam hopes to be part of a symbolic exchange project that promotes deep friendship between the two countries through the traditional language of folktales and music. Idemitsu will continue to promote cultural contribution activities in Vietnam.