Vietnam’s First Lady Participates in Cultural Events in Japan
Vietnam’s First Lady, Ngo Phuong Ly, took part in a series of cultural and artistic exchange activities in Japan on November 8 and 9, 2026, as part of the official visit of Vietnam’s General Secretary and President To Lam.
The programmes included a fashion showcase in Tokyo titled The Threads We Share and the opening of a Vietnam-Japan small sculpture exhibition, Dialogue, in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Asahi Travel Service Pvt Ltd
The events brought together artists, designers and cultural representatives from both countries, highlighting the role of art and creativity in strengthening international friendships.
The Threads We Share: Celebrating Fashion and Traditional Craftsmanship
The fashion exchange programme in Tokyo showcased collections by Vietnamese and Japanese designers, celebrating the cultural similarities and distinctive traditions of both nations.
Silk was the central theme of the event, symbolising the connection between the past and present, as well as the shared appreciation for craftsmanship.
The Vietnamese designer presented the Ikigai collection, featuring handmade silk garments that combined contemporary silhouettes with inspirations from traditional Vietnamese clothing across different historical periods.
The Japanese designer highlighted the elegance of Kyoto silk and traditional Japanese weaving techniques, showcasing the country’s rich textile heritage.
Beyond fashion, the programme aimed to encourage cooperation between designers and artisans, promote traditional craftsmanship and create opportunities for sustainable fashion and handicraft production.
Dialogue: Bringing Vietnamese and Japanese Sculptors Together
On November 9, Ngo Phuong Ly attended the opening ceremony of the Vietnam-Japan Small Sculpture Exhibition titled Dialogue at the Kanagawa Prefectural Government building.
The exhibition features 31 artworks by 18 sculptors, including 13 Vietnamese and five Japanese artists from different generations. It marks an important cultural initiative, bringing together a large group of contemporary Vietnamese sculptors for an exhibition outside Vietnam.
Organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan and the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum, in coordination with the Kanagawa Prefectural Government, the exhibition explores artistic connections and differences between the two cultures.
Kanagawa Governor Kuroiwa Yuji highlighted the importance of cultural exchange in connecting people across national boundaries. Following the opening ceremony, guests toured the exhibition and participated in a Japanese calligraphy experience.
Art as a Bridge Between Vietnam and Japan
During the exhibition, Ngo Phuong Ly appreciated Kanagawa’s support for Vietnamese culture and emphasised the importance of art in bringing communities and countries closer.
She expressed hope that more Japanese audiences would have opportunities to discover Vietnamese sculpture, while Vietnamese audiences could also experience Japanese artistic traditions through future exhibitions and cultural programmes.
The activities also reflected the long history of cultural and people-to-people exchanges between Vietnam and Japan, which continue to contribute to mutual understanding and friendship.
Looking Ahead to More Cultural Partnerships
The cultural programmes opened opportunities for future cooperation in fashion, traditional crafts, sculpture and artistic education.
Kanagawa Governor Kuroiwa also announced that the musical Princess Anio, inspired by the historical love story between a Vietnamese princess and a Japanese merchant around 400 years ago, is scheduled to be staged in Hanoi in March 2027.
The upcoming production is another example of how shared history and cultural storytelling can strengthen connections between the two countries.
Final Word
The participation of Vietnam’s First Lady in these cultural activities highlights the growing importance of artistic collaboration in Vietnam-Japan relations.From traditional silk craftsmanship to contemporary sculpture, the events demonstrated how creativity can connect people beyond geographical boundaries. Such exchanges continue to build mutual appreciation, encourage partnerships and strengthen the longstanding friendship between Vietnam and Japan.
