Fukuoka culture promoted in Hanoi

On the occasion, the Vice Governor of the Fukuoka prefecture, Ushino Takeo, talked with a VOV reporter about the four-day event as well as the cooperation between Fukuoka and Hanoi.

Reporter: What distinctive culture do you bring to Vietnam this time?

Mr. Ushino: It is our honour to host the “Fukuoka Cultural Day” in Hanoi. There have been a variety of exchanges since the two cities were twinned with each other in February, 2008. Last year, images of Hanoi girls in the traditional long dress (Ao Dai) were promoted in Fukuoka.

This year, Vietnamese people will have the chance to enjoy the Shamisen (a traditional Japanese musical instrument) performance, the traditional Japanese flower arrangement, Ikebana, as well as delicious fruits from Kyushyu Island. They will be able to try on the traditional Japanese Yugata costume and read Manga stories from cartoon books.

Also, there will be a traditional dance performance by 30 young artists from the Wakaba high school who have won the national champion title in Japan.

Reporter: What should we do to boost cooperation between Hanoi and Fukuoka and between the two countries in general?

Mr. Ushino: We always look forward to developing the relationship with Vietnam in many fields, including politics, economics, culture, education, and the environment.

We should promote the presentation of the cultural beauty of each city to their respective young generations. For example, Fukuoka is very famous for the Yamakasa festival, Samisen, and Manga stories.

Regarding education, Japan expects to receive Vietnamese students to study in Fukuoka and other prefectures shortly.

Economically, we want to expand the partnership between the two countries’ businesses.

Fukuoka can also provide technical assistance for an environmental project in Hanoi - the city of peace - as we have a lot of experience in turning a polluted industrial city into a clean one.

Reporter: What do you think of Hanoi?

Mr. Ushino: Hanoi a busy but peaceful city. Fukuoka is also an age-old city, but has different culture from Hanoi.

Despite turning into 1,000 years this October, in my eyes, Hanoi is a young and dynamic city with a quick tempo of life and many high-rise buildings.

I am really confident of this city’s development potential and will to do my best to strengthen Fukuoka-Hanoi friendship.

Reporter: Thank you very much