Japanese artists to show off their skills in HCMC

Japanese artists will perform kendo and origami while toys, food, and comic books from that country will be on show at the Vietnam-Japan Day in Ho Chi Minh City on September 12.

The highlight of the program held by the Japanese consulate this year is a demonstration and workshop on ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, which appeared 550 years ago and has become akin to a religion over the centuries.

Flower arrangements by Professor Sasaki Yasihito, considered to be Japan’s top ikebana artist, will be on display.

The art uses stems, leaves, and flowers to create designs that show nature’s beauty and vitality as well as express human emotions.

There will be a talk show by Vietnamese artists who have performed in Japan, like actor Thanh Loc, singers Hien Thuc and Minh Thu, and members of the Phu Sa girl band, about their experiences in that country.

A highlight of the event will be a costume play by Vietnamese teenagers who will dress like characters in comic books and other stories.

Admission to the show at 4 Pham Ngoc Thach Street, District 1, will be free.