The exhibition "Japanese Doll" and "Dialogue with Ukiyo-E paintings" event are open for free to serve people and tourists from July 27 to August 4 (Photo: My Le)

The opening night featured performances by traditional art troupes from Japan and Vietnam and a re-enactment of Vietnamese Princess Ngoc Hoa's wedding to Japanese businessman Araki Sotaro, with a procession on the Chau An boat through Hoi An ancient town.

The exchange will include the "Hoi An-Japan and tourist" boat race, an opera called "Princess Anio," a Japanese tea ceremony, and Hizen ceramics painting. Hoi An will inaugurate the restoration of the Cau pagoda, an important architectural relic that symbolizes Japan's historical presence and cultural exchange in the area.

Experiential activities will promote the image of Hoi An, Vietnam, and Japan and strengthen the enduring relationship between the two countries.

The 20th Hoi An-Japan cultural exchange is one of Quang Nam’s tourism stimulus activities.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hong, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Nam province, said: "Quang Nam is focusing on developing tourism into a key economic sector. Policies have been implemented to support businesses in promoting tourism products, including green tourism and eco-tourism. Efforts are being made to create tours and tourism chains that will encourage visitors to stay longer."

In the first half of this year, Quang Nam welcomed 4.6 million visitors, up 18% from the previous year. This included 3.1 million foreign tourists, up 28%, and 1.5 million domestic travelers, up 4%. Local tourism revenue increased 11% to 380 million USD.

Hoi An was recently voted one of the world's most popular cities and recognized as a UNESCO Creative City. The 20th Hoi An-Japan Cultural Exchange and other cultural activities in Quang Nam showcase Quang Nam’s tourism potential.