Addressing the opening ceremony, Vietnam Ambassador to Japan Doan Xuan Hung stated that he is looking forward to seeing the performances helping Japanese people learn more about Vietnam’s unique culture and join hands in fostering friendship between the two governments and people.

Former Japanese Senator Matsuda Iwao, who has been involving in Vietnam-Japan cultural exchange activities, said water puppetry constitutes not only an art form but also the quintessence of brainpower and labour by Vietnamese people.

The art is a comprehensive scientific for m of the ancient Vietnamese people, he said.

Cooperation in economics, education, science and technology and cross cultural exchanges has helped Vietnamese and Japanese people forge bonds and gain deeper understanding, Matsuda noted.