THE EMBASSY OF VIETNAM IN JAPAN JOINS HANDS WITH IKEBANA INTERNATIONAL TO PROMOTE HUMANITARIAN VALUES AND FRIENDSHIP

 On June 9, 2025, Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu and his spouse, Madame Thai Thu Hong, took part in the donation ceremony for the city of Wajima (Ishikawa Prefecture), a locality severely affected by the earthquake in 2025. The donation was raised through the Ikebana International Fair 2024, chaired by Vietnam. The event was organized by Ikebana International and was graced by the presence of Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado, the Spouse of the Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan, members of the diplomatic corps, and numerous Japanese and international friends.

In her remarks, Madame Thai Thu Hong – Chairperson of the 2024 Ikebana International Fair – expressed her honor in joining hands with Ikebana International in meaningful humanitarian initiatives. She emphasized that supporting disaster-stricken communities is not only a charitable act, but also a way to spread the spirit of international solidarity and contribute to preserving traditional cultural values, such as Wajima-nuri – a distinctive and treasured Japanese lacquerware craft. She noted that this contribution is part of a series of genuine activities undertaken by the Embassy of Vietnam in Japan, including the “Pray for Japan 2024” theme, co-organized by the Embassy during the Vietnam Festival in Ikebukuro, to support victims of the Noto earthquake.

Ambassador Pham Quang Hieu affirmed:

“These deeply humanitarian efforts not only provide timely support to affected communities, but also serve as a catalyst to further deepen the extensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Japan.”

This meaningful event took place in the context of increasingly substantive and effective bilateral relations, especially following the official visit to Vietnam by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in April 2025.

The Ikebana International Fair is not only a vibrant cultural and artistic event, but also a powerful symbol of compassion, friendship, and the collective commitment of the international community toward a more united and sustainable world.