Organised by the Vietnamese Association in the Kansai Region with support from the Consulate General of Vietnam in Osaka, the event attracted representatives of Japanese organisations, members of the Vietnamese community in Kansai, and cultural, artistic and media organisations from both countries.

More than an art performance, “Essence of Vietnam” served as a cultural bridge, bringing Vietnam’s image, people and rich heritage closer to Japanese audiences and international friends.

In her opening remarks, Le Thuong, president of the Vietnamese Association in the Kansai region and head of the organising committee, emphasised the role of culture in fostering mutual understanding and connections among nations.

The programme reflected a shared aspiration to further integrate Vietnamese cultural values into international cultural life, she added.

Vietnamese Consul General in Osaka Nguyen Truong Son praised the efforts of the Vietnamese community in Kansai to preserve national identity while strengthening engagement with the host society. He said community-based cultural activities contribute to enhancing the soft power of Vietnamese culture and deepening friendship between the peoples of Vietnam and Japan.

Representing the Japanese side, Sakai Norihiro, president of the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Association, expressed admiration for the depth of Vietnamese culture and the creativity of Vietnamese artistic traditions. He stressed that cultural exchange is a vital foundation for strengthening people-to-people relations between the two countries.

The highlight of the event was the participation of Professor, Honorary Doctor, World Record Holder, and Artist Chu Bao Que, along with the UNESCO Vietnam artists' delegation. During the Q&A session with the audience, Bao Que shared his passion for preserving, and spreading traditional Vietnamese cultural values ​​to international friends.

Audiences also had the opportunity to watch the documentary “Người giữ hồn di sản” (The guardians of heritage), the winner of the Golden Lotus Award at the 24th Vietnam Film Festival in 2025. The film recreates the enduring journey of those who preserve the nation's cultural heritage in the context of modernisation and international integration.

In addition, the programme featured many unique artistic performances, from traditional Japanese music performed by the Trainnovation Band to folk songs, traditional dances, and folk theater performances by the UNESCO Vietnam Folk Art Troupe. The combination of artistic styles from both countries creates a warm and emotionally rich atmosphere for cultural exchange.

Organisers also presented Vietnamese cultural souvenirs to the Japanese guests, including Dong Ho folk paintings from Bac Ninh, an intangible cultural heritage item that has been inscribed by UNESCO on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguard.

“Women and journey of inspiration” unites Vietnamese community in Kansai

VOV.VN - A discussion marking International Women’s Day on March 8 under the theme “Women and journey of inspiration” was held on March 1 at the Consulate General of Vietnam in Osaka, Japan, in a solemn, warm and meaningful atmosphere.