The Japan Foundation Centre for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam will present a performance of traditional Japanese bunraku puppetry theatre in HCM City in mid-July to mark 45 years of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties.
The Japan Foundation Centre for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam will present a performance of traditional Japanese bunraku puppetry theatre in HCM City in mid-July. Photo courtesy of the organiser
HCM City (VNS/VNA) - The Japan Foundation Centre for Cultural Exchange in Vietnamwill present a performance of traditional Japanese bunraku puppetry theatre inHo Chi Minh City in mid-July to mark 45 years of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties.
The 20-minute performance will include anexcerpt from Date Musume Koi No Higanoko (The Red-Hot Love of the Greengrocer’sDaughter), a bunraku masterpiece based on a real story that occurred during theEdo period about 300 years ago.
The play is about the tragic love story ofOshichi, a daughter of a greengrocer, and her lover Kichisaburo, a page at theKisshoin Temple.
The excerpt features a scene in whichOshichi finds the lost sword of her lover who is about to commit seppuku.
However, she cannot visit him because thegates around the city are closed at night. She climbs a fire tower on a snowynight to sound a false fire alarm to open the gates, though she knows thatsounding the false alarm is a serious crime.
The performance will feature six leadingperformers of the Bunraku Company from Osaka. A demonstration and Q&Asection will be given after the performance.
Founded in Osaka in the beginning of the17th century, bunraku uses half life-size dolls to act out a chanted dramaticnarrative to the accompaniment of a small samisen (three-stringed Japaneselute).
The puppetry theatre is derived fromhistorical plays set in feudal times and contemporary dramas exploring theconflict between affairs of the heart and social obligations.
Around 160 works out of the 700 playswritten during the Edo period are used in today’s repertory.
In 2003, UNESCO declared bunraku aMasterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
The performances in HCM City will start at3pm and 7pm on July 12 at the The Gioi Tre Theatre.
The program is not recommended for childrenunder 12 years old.
The Japan Foundation Centre will also organisetwo other shows at the Vietnam Youth Theatre in Hanoi on July 14.-VNS/VNA
Traditional water puppetry shows of the Vietnam National Puppetry Theatre will be performed at the upcoming the 21st Festival de L’Imaginaire in France from November 22-26 at the invitation of the Maison Des Cultures Du Monde (World Cultural House) director.
Phung Quang Oanh left Hanoi for HCM City in 2007, bringing along his puppets and a strong desire to introduce water puppetry – one of the most popular northern cultural feature –to southern residents.
Founded in the 11th century under Ly Dynasty, Dong Ngu village’s unique form of water puppetry continues to draw crowds today, with unparalleled mystery, mastery and commitment from its performers.
Water puppetry is an art form unique to Vietnam, especially in the Red River Delta region. Join us to learn about the long-standing art form which has been preserved and developed through generations
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
These are impressive achievements, not only showing the efforts and prowess of Vietnamese paddlers but also serving as proof of the sports sector’s strategic and systematic investment.
The cultural event in Canberra not only fostered cultural exchanges between Vietnam and Australia but also contributed to promoting Vietnam’s image internationally
The Japan Foundation Centre for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam will present a performance of traditional Japanese bunraku puppetry theatre in HCM City in mid-July. Photo courtesy of the organiser 
