History of Hoi An – Japan Cultural Exchange

The 1st Hoi An – Japan Cultural Exchange was launched in August 2003 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan (1973–2003). The goal was to revitalize the historical ties of the 17th century and use them as a foundation for modern tourism and economic cooperation. This event was heavily supported by Sugi Ryotaro, a Japanese singer and actor who served as a Special Ambassador for Vietnam-Japan relations. He even donated a Mikoshi (Japanese portable shrine) to the city, which is still displayed today at the Japan Cultural Gallery.

The 2nd Hoi An – Japan Cultural Exchange took place from 28th to 29th August 2004. It was held to celebrate the 5th anniversary of Hoi An Ancient Town being recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site (1999–2004).

The 3rd Hoi An – Japan Cultural Exchange in August 2005 solidified the festival’s status as a major annual attraction, featuring the symbolic re-enactment of the historical royal wedding alongside large-scale Japanese folk dances that transformed the streets of the ancient town.

The 4th Hoi An – Japan Cultural Exchange in August 2006 served as a centerpiece for the “National Tourism Year” in Quang Nam, gaining lasting symbolic weight as the iconic Japanese Bridge was featured on Vietnam’s newly issued 20,000 VND polymer banknote that same year.

Held from August 16 to 19, the 5th Hoi An – Japan Cultural Exchange in 2007 focused on architectural heritage through photo exhibitions of Hoi An and Kyoto alongside traditional Bon and Sac Bua dances.

Occurring from August 21 to 24, the 6th Hoi An – Japan Cultural Exchange in 2008 emphasized environmental protection and friendship with JICA workshops, kite-flying displays, and tea ceremonies.

Running from August 14 to 16, the 7th Hoi An – Japan Cultural Exchange in 2009 marked the 10th anniversary of Hoi An’s UNESCO status with a grand lantern parade, a mochi festival, and collaborative musical performances.

Taking place from August 13 to 15, the 8th Hoi An – Japan Cultural Exchange in 2010 aimed to strengthen cultural solidarity through interactive origami workshops, Japanese food stalls, and traditional wrestling.

Scheduled for August 21 to 22, the 9th Hoi An – Japan Cultural Exchange in 2011 promoted environmental awareness and social responsibility through a youth forum and Furoshiki gift-wrapping demonstrations.

Held from August 24 to 26, the 10th anniversary Hoi An – Japan Cultural Exchange in 2012 showcased a decade of cooperation with a retrospective photo exhibition and major Osuwa Daiko drum performances.

From August 23 to 25, the 11th Hoi An – Japan Cultural Exchange in 2013 commemorated 40 years of diplomatic ties through Haiku poetry readings, choral concerts, and calligraphy lectures.

Occurring from August 15 to 17, the 12th Hoi An – Japan Cultural Exchange in 2014 highlighted cultural identity with the iconic royal wedding re-enactment, a Yukata fashion show, and traditional boat racing.

Running from August 28 to 30, the 13th Hoi An – Japan Cultural Exchange in 2015 promoted a “smoke-free city” while featuring flower lantern releases, anime cosplay, and Yosakoi dance.

From August 26 to 28, the 14th Hoi An – Japan Cultural Exchange in 2016 centered on “Filial Devotion” and featured photography exhibitions like “Women of Vietnam” alongside Japanese martial arts displays.

Held from August 18 to 20, the 15th Hoi An – Japan Cultural Exchange in 2017 prioritized cultural diversification through the inauguration of the Japanese Culture Gallery and collaborative folk music.

Marking 45 years of diplomatic ties from August 17 to 19, the 16th Hoi An – Japan Cultural Exchange in 2018 featured a grand Nagasaki-style street procession and smart city development workshops.

Taking place from August 9 to 11, the 17th Hoi An – Japan Cultural Exchange in 2019 focused on youth engagement with the wedding procession on the Hoai River and modern J-pop and Cosplay performances.

During 2020 and 2021, the scheduled Hoi An – Japan Cultural Exchanges were postponed due to the global pandemic to prioritize public health while maintaining cultural ties through limited digital cooperation.

Resuming from August 26 to 28 as the 18th Hoi An – Japan Cultural Exchange, the 2022 festival celebrated post-pandemic recovery with the premiere of “Princess Anio” opera snippets and bonsai exhibitions.

From August 4 to 6, the 19th Hoi An – Japan Cultural Exchange in 2023 honored 50 years of diplomatic relations with the full premiere of the “Princess Anio” opera and documentaries on bilateral cooperation.

Marking a 20-year milestone from August 2 to 4, the 20th Hoi An – Japan Cultural Exchange in 2024 celebrated the reopening of the restored Japanese Bridge through Japanese doll exhibitions and Ukiyo-e art dialogues.