Vietnamese Cultural Festival in Japan's Osaka recreates heartfelt Hung Kings Commemoration
WVR - On April 19, in Ikuno Ward, Osaka, Japan, the 9th Vietnamese Cultural Festival featuring the Hung Kings Commemoration was held in a solemn and warm atmosphere imbued with national identity.
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| Vietnamese Consul General in Osaka Nguyen Truong Son speaks. (Source: Vietnamese Consulate General in Osaka) |
The event attracted tens of thousands of attendees, including the Vietnamese community living, studying, and working in Japan, as well as a large number of local residents and international friends.
In his opening speech, Vietnamese Consul General in Osaka Nguyen Truong Son emphasized the special significance of maintaining the festival over the past nine years. The Consul General stated that the belief in worshiping the Hung Kings, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, is not only a symbol of the principle “When drinking water, remember its source” but also a spiritual bond for Vietnamese people worldwide.
The recreation of the Hung Kings Commemoration in Japan is a clear testament to the enduring vitality of Vietnamese culture and the solidarity of the Vietnamese community away from home.
This is also an occasion for the Vietnamese community in Japan to come together to honour their national roots, remember the contributions of the Hung Kings in building the nation, and strengthen cultural identity in an international environment. Consul General Nguyen Truong Son stressed that the festival not only holds cultural significance but also plays an important role as a bridge in promoting people-to-people exchanges and economic cooperation between Vietnam and Japan.
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| Mr. Saito Naoki, Mayor of Ikuno Ward, speaks at the festival. (Source: VNA) |
Representing Japan, Mr. Saito Naoki, Mayor of Ikuno Ward, expressed his delight at the strong development of the Vietnamese community in the area. He highly appreciated such cultural festivals as they not only help Vietnamese people preserve their traditions but also contribute to enhancing understanding and connection with the Japanese people.
The local government also affirmed its continued support for the cultural activities of the Vietnamese community in the future.
Ms. Le Thuong, Head of the festival organizing committee and President of the Vietnamese Association in Kansai, noted that organizing the event on the Vietnamese Ethnic Groups' Cultural Day (April 19) holds special significance, aiming to honour the cultural diversity of 54 ethnic groups and affirm the strength of national unity.
In the cultural space in Japan, this spirit becomes even more meaningful as the Vietnamese community together preserves and spreads the homeland's identity.
The highlight of the festival was the recreation of the Hung Kings Commemoration ritual with all traditional elements such as incense offering, offerings, and solemn ceremonies. The festival space was designed with a strong Vietnamese essence, giving attendees the feeling of returning to their homeland.
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| Recreation of the Hung Kings Commemoration ritual at the festival. (Source: VNA) |
Additionally, folk art performances, traditional music and dance, along with diverse food stalls, created a vibrant cultural picture that attracted many visitors.
Mr. Cao Thanh Dinh from Hiroshima shared that despite having to travel over 300km, he decided to attend due to the sacred meaning of the Hung Kings Commemoration. “Hearing the sound of the festival drums, I feel as if I am returning to my homeland. Even from afar, we always look towards the ancestral land and are proud to be Vietnamese,” he said emotionally.
Ms. Le Thuong said that the cultural festival holds a strong community connection value. This year, the festival saw the participation of Vietnamese people from various areas outside Kansai and even from other countries, demonstrating the program's increasing reach. Additionally, the festival received active support from local authorities and domestic agencies, including Phu Tho Province - the homeland of the Hung King Temple.
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| Vietnamese children in Osaka perform the song "Ai yeu Bac Ho Chi Minh". (Source: VNA) |
Mr. Hironori Sakai, President of the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Association, noted that cultural events like the Hung Kings Commemoration not only help the Vietnamese community become more cohesive but also provide opportunities for Japanese people to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture. This is a crucial foundation for promoting friendly relations between the two countries.
After nine editions, the festival recreating the Hung Kings Commemoration has become an annual event of profound significance in Kansai. It not only contributes to preserving traditions but also affirms the position of the Vietnamese community in Japan - a dynamic, united community always looking towards their national roots.
Some images from the event:
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| Vietnamese Consul General in Osaka Nguyen Truong Son speaks at the Festival. (Source: Vietnamese Consulate General in Osaka) |
(Source: Vietnamese Consulate General in Osaka)
