On the afternoon of December 16, 2021, at the Hanoi Opera House, a press conference to announce the Opera Project “Princess Anio” was held with the participation of Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ta Quang. Dong, Mr. Yamada Takio – Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Vietnam, Mr. Do Hong Quan – President of the Vietnam Union of Literary and Art Associations, Mr. Le Ngoc Dinh – Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation, Representatives of the Opera Project Executive Board Mr. Honna Tetsuji and Mr. Trinh Tung Linh, representatives of the Association of Japanese Enterprises in Vietnam, representatives of Japanese companies in Vietnam sponsoring the Project and representatives of agencies news agencies, domestic press and foreign press permanently residing in Vietnam.
The Opera project “Princess Anio” is co-sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam, implemented to contribute to promoting the relationship of exchange and friendship between Vietnam – Vietnam. Japan, towards the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2023 (September 21, 1973 – September 21, 2023).
The content and theme of the opera is based on a true story in the history of trade between Vietnam and Japan from the early 17th century. Princess Ngoc Hoa’s full name is Nguyen Phuc Ngoc Hoa. She is a relative on the maternal side of Lord Nguyen Phuc Nguyen, loved by God, and adopted as a child. At that time, Lord Nguyen Phuc Nguyen confessed to the Le dynasty, claiming to be Nhan Quoc Cong, so God’s daughters were all called princesses. She met and fell in love with the Japanese businessman Araki Sotaro, both of them willing to marry. Lord Nguyen Phuc Nguyen, though opposed to marrying his daughter to a foreign country, but before the deep love of both, moved God and agreed to give them a kiss and send them to Nagasaki, Japan. Princess Ngoc Hoa often calls her husband “Brother”, so the people of Nagasaki call her by the intimate name “Anio san” (Miss Anio). Today, the procession to welcome Princess Anio continues to be re-enacted in the scene of “The Seal of the Boat” at the Nagasaki Kunchi festival in Nagasaki on October 7-9 every year.
Deputy Minister Ta Quang Dong, Japanese Ambassador Yamada Takio and Executive Board of Opera Project “The Public” female Anio”
Speaking at the press conference, Deputy Minister Ta Quang Dong shared that Vietnam and Japan have become close, sincere and understanding friends with high political credibility. It can be seen that Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to Japan as the first foreign guest of the new Japanese Government is a testament to the strong relationship and special affection between the two countries. for each other. Vietnam and Japan will coordinate to organize many rich and lively activities to enhance exchanges and mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries, especially focusing on 2023 – the 50th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. establish diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Deputy Minister affirmed that the Opera Project “Princess Anio” is an external cultural event of special significance not only contributing to the development of musical cultures of the two countries, but also connecting the values of the two countries. history – culture – art from the past to the present and towards the future of the relationship between Vietnam and Japan, becoming a “messenger” linking the two peoples closer together.
Deputy Minister Ta Quang Dong affirmed that the Opera Project “Princess Anio” is a cultural event Foreign affairs have special meaning, as “art messengers” bring the people of the two countries closer together.
As an honorary consultant for the project, Japanese Ambassador Yamada Takio said that the opera “Princess Anio” will become a typical event highlighting the important milestone of the 50th founding anniversary. Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations in 2023, helping people of the two countries reminisce about the period when the Indo-China trade flourished 400 years ago, and at the same time contributed to consolidating and tightening the cohesion of the two countries. the peoples of the two countries in the future. The Ambassador affirmed that the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam will work with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to give maximum support to make this project a success.
According to Ambassador Yamada Takio, the opera will be an artistic mark symbolizing cohesion long-term, strong relationship between the two countries Japan and Vietnam
Representative of the Project Executive Board, Mr. Honna Tetsuji – Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Vietnam Symphony Orchestra said that “The opera is an original work inspired by a true story from 400 years ago with the setting in two countries, the scenes in the opera have lyrics in both Vietnamese and Japanese languages. The singers and actors all have to learn two languages to convey the full content and depth of the work. In my opinion, this is a special performance when the artists of the two countries have to sing in both Vietnamese and Japanese languages. Mr. Honna Tetsuji shared that the Project Executive Board will strive to create a unique musical work with high artistic value and touch the hearts of viewers, thereby contributing to the development of the music industry of the country. Vietnam and Japan, promote the bilateral friendship of the two countries.
Trinh Tung Linh – Director of the Vietnam Symphony Orchestra shared, “In addition to the performance in Vietnam in September 2023, we will promote the performance in Japan. The whole Project Executive Board is making great efforts to make the show successful in both countries, bring new emotions to the audience, and contribute to the diplomatic relationship between Vietnam and Japan.”
As expected, the performance of the opera “Princess Anio” will take place in September 2023 at the Hanoi Opera House. The lineup of singers and actors for the show will be announced next spring.