Attendees at the opening ceremony included Vietnamese Consul General Vu Chi Mai, Director of the Ho Chi Minh Relic Site within the Presidential Palace in Hanoi Le Thi Phuong, and Japanese officials, including mayors of several cities in Fukuoka prefecture and representatives of friendship associations and diplomatic missions.
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Painter Van Duong Thanh introduces her painting of President Ho Chi Minh. |
In her opening remarks, Phuong emphasized that the exhibition offers Japanese visitors a glimpse into the life, revolutionary career, and ideology of President Ho Chi Minh — a revered yet humble leader. She expressed hope that more international friends would visit the Ho Chi Minh Relic Site in Vietnam to better understand his legacy and the Vietnamese people
Mai noted that the exhibition serves as a cultural bridge, deepening the strong friendship between Vietnam and Japan. She hoped it will help younger generations in Japan gain a more vivid understanding of President Ho Chi Minh and Vietnamese history and culture.
Hoshino Hiroshi, Chairman of the Kyushu–Vietnam Friendship Association, described the exhibition as a valuable opportunity to reflect on President Ho Chi Minh's ideals of independence, freedom, and happiness—values that still resonate globally. He also noted the growing presence of the Vietnamese community in Kyushu and expressed hope that the exhibition would further promote bilateral exchanges.
With five themes, the exhibition highlights Chi Minh as a symbol of patriotism, peace, cultural exchange, and national development. It also showcases images of Japan’s cherry blossoms and Vietnam’s lotus flowers, representing the two nations’ shared cultural values.
Renowned painter Van Duong Thanh was also invited to exhibit her works dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh, offering a heartfelt artistic tribute.
Japanese guests such as Hirotaka Inoue, Vice Chairman of the Fukuoka–Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Alliance, and Fumiaki Honda, a long-time admirer of President Ho Chi Minh, expressed their admiration and emotional connection to the exhibition.
Vietnamese student Tang Thi Yen, currently studying in Fukuoka, said she was honored to attend the event and pledged to study hard to contribute to the Vietnam–Japan friendship.
The exhibition, part of an initiative to honor President Ho Chi Minh abroad in 2025, will remain open to the public until May 29.
Source: VNA