Phan Thanh Hai, Director of the Center for Hue Ancient Citadel Preservation said, “The Japanese Emperor and Empress loved Vietnam's heritages. In 2007, we sent a troupe of Hue royal court music to accompany President Nguyen Minh Triet to Japan. The troupe performed at the Royal Court in Tokyo. 

The Japanese Emperor and Empress loved Hue royal court music and understood that Japanese court music originated from Vietnam. In the 8th century, a Vietnamese monk came to Japan and introduced Vietnam’s royal court music. It’s our great honor to welcome the Japanese Emperor and Empress”.

During their visit to Hue, the Japanese royal couple visited scenic spots in Hue, met Japanese volunteers, and called at the Phan Boi Chau memorial house.

Phan Boi Chau was an initiator of Dong Du movement in early 20th century that encouraged young Vietnamese to go east to study and seek ways to save the nation. 

A memorial stele dedicated to Japanese doctor Asaba Sakitaro, who made great contributions to Dong Du movement, is being kept at Fukuroi city, Shizuoka prefecture as a symbol of Vietnam-Japan friendship in the 20th century. 

Source: vov.vn