On June 14, in Higashi Osaka City, Japan, the Vietnam - Japan cultural exchange program themed “Vietnamese Essence: Honoring Vietnamese Culture in the Global Flow” was held in a dignified atmosphere rich in cultural identity. Organized by the Kansai Vietnamese Association with support from the Consulate General of Vietnam in Osaka, the event aimed to promote Vietnamese culture, strengthen people-to-people exchanges, and further foster friendship between Vietnam and Japan.

Delegates and artists participating in the cultural exchange program 'Vietnamese Essence: Honoring Vietnamese Culture in the Global Flow'

Among the distinguished attendees were Mr. Nguyen Truong Son, Consul General of Vietnam in Osaka; representatives of the Kansai Vietnamese Association; leaders of Vietnamese organizations and associations in Japan; and a large number of Vietnamese residents, students, and workers living in the Kansai region. The event also attracted many Japanese guests and audiences who have a deep appreciation for Vietnamese culture.

Mr. Nguyen Truong Son, Consul General of Vietnam in Osaka, delivers a welcome address at the program.

In his remarks at the event, Consul General Nguyen Truong Son highly praised the efforts of the Vietnamese community in Japan in preserving national identity and promoting Vietnam’s image abroad. He emphasized that culture serves as a vital bridge for enhancing mutual understanding, strengthening bonds, and expanding cooperation between the peoples of the two countries.

Honorary Professor, Artist, and World Record Holder Chu Bao Que - Standing Committee Member and Deputy Secretary-General of Vietnam Federation of UNESCO Associations, sent a message about the responsibility of heritage preservation and the continuity of cultural values

Adding vibrant colors to the program was a series of outstanding artistic performances presented by Vietnamese and Japanese artists. The cultural exchange opened with traditional melodies performed by Japan’s Trainnovation band, creating a harmonious connection between the two cultures.

Artist Thuy Hang (left side) - Head of the UNESCO Vietnam Folk Arts Troupe, and People's Artist Thuy Huong (right side) perform the traditional Quan Ho folk song 'Ai Xuoi Ve'.

A highlight of the event was the participation of artists from the UNESCO Vietnam Folk Arts Troupe, whose performances showcased the richness and depth of Vietnamese culture. The traditional Quan ho folk song “Ai Xuoi Ve”, performed by People’s Artist Thuy Huong and artist Thuy Hang, vividly portrayed the graceful beauty of the Kinh Bac region, home to one of Vietnam’s most treasured cultural heritages.

The traditional spiritual performance 'Co Doi Thuong Ngan' is performed by artist Thu Trang, Deputy Head of the UNESCO Vietnam Folk Arts Troupe. 

The program continued with the traditional cheo performance “Gui Anh Khuc Hat Nghia Tinh”, for which the lyrics were written by artist Chu Bao Que and performed with great emotion by Meritorious Artist Quynh Mai. Through its traditional melodies and deeply humanistic message, the performance offered audiences meaningful insights into the beauty of Vietnamese folk theatre. In addition, the ritual folk performance “Co Doi Thuong Ngan” by artist Thu Trang highlighted the richness of Vietnam’s spiritual traditions and folk cultural heritage.

 Professor, Honorary Doctor, Artist, and Record Holder Chu Bao Que performs the traditional Quan Ho folk song 'Ngoi Tua Man Thuyen'.

The performances of folk songs by the UNESCO Vietnam Folk Arts Troupe.

Within this colorful artistic landscape, the presence of Honorary Professor, Artist, and World Record Holder Chu Bao Que left a particularly memorable impression. In addition to personally performing the traditional Quan ho song “Ngoi Tua Man Thuyen”, he shared with the audience his many years of dedication to preserving and promoting traditional cultural values.

According to him, every cultural heritage embodies the memory, identity, and spirit of a nation. Preserving these values, therefore, is not only the responsibility of cultural practitioners but also a shared obligation of the entire community toward future generations. His heartfelt reflections resonated deeply with many attendees and were met with enthusiastic support.

Another highlight of the event was the introduction of the documentary “Nguoi Giu Hon Di San” (The Keepers of Heritage’s Soul), which won the Golden Lotus Award in the Documentary Film category at the 24th Vietnam Film Festival in 2025. The film chronicles artist Chu Bao Que’s tireless journey in researching, practicing, and promoting traditional cultural values, particularly Quan ho folk singing. Through this story, the documentary conveys a powerful message about the responsibility of heritage preservation and the continuity of cultural values in contemporary life.

 Still image from the documentary film.

In recognition of his contributions to culture and international exchange, the Kansai Vietnamese Association honored Honorary Professor, Artist, and World Record Holder Chu Bao Que for his efforts in promoting cultural and artistic exchanges and strengthening friendship between the people of Vietnam and Japan.

Artist Chu Bao Que presents traditional Dong Ho folk paintings as gifts to Japanese delegates participating in the program.

As an artist, he is known not only for his achievements in the fields of culture and the arts but also for decades of unwavering dedication to heritage preservation. He has devoted much of his time and passion to researching, collecting, teaching, and promoting Quan ho folk songs, while actively participating in cultural exchange activities both in Vietnam and abroad. Through these efforts, many traditional cultural values have reached broader audiences, particularly Vietnamese communities living overseas.

A successful Vietnam - Japan cultural exchange program.

The success of “Vietnamese Essence” once again demonstrated the enduring vitality of Vietnamese culture in contemporary society. Through dedicated heritage custodians such as Artist, World Record Holder Chu Bao Que, Vietnamese cultural values continue to spread far and wide, serving as a bridge that connects communities, fosters mutual understanding among nations, and contributes to building lasting friendships through the unifying power of culture.