"Floral Diplomacy" Promotes Vietnam-Japan Friendship

[VNA Correspondent in Japan]

At the appreciation ceremony celebrating the success of the Ikebana International Fair 2024, Princess Takamado highly praised the contributions of the Vietnamese Embassy in promoting culture and strengthening the friendship between the two countries.

The wife of the Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Thai Thu Hong, introduced the art of 3D jelly flower carving from Vietnam to Princess Takamado and Prime Minister Ishiba’s wife.

On April 3, the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan held a ceremony to celebrate the success of the Ikebana International Fair 2024, where Vietnam served as the chairing country.

The event was attended by Princess Takamado, Honorary President of Ikebana International; Mrs. Ishiba Yoshiko, wife of the Japanese Prime Minister; Mrs. Hayashi Yuko, wife of the Chief Cabinet Secretary; Mrs. Iwaya Sakoto, wife of the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs; along with many ambassadorial spouses in Tokyo and more than 30 leading Ikebana artists from Japan.

The highlight of the ceremony was a commemorative cherry tree planting ceremony in the garden of the Vietnamese Embassy, carried out by Princess Takamado, the Prime Minister’s wife, and other Japanese guests.

This special gift symbolized Princess Takamado’s appreciation for the efforts and achievements of the Vietnamese Embassy in organizing the Ikebana International Fair 2024 in December 2024.

At the event, Princess Takamado highly valued the contributions of the Vietnamese Embassy in promoting culture and strengthening the friendship between Vietnam and Japan.

Princess Takamado Appreciates the Contributions of the Vietnamese Embassy

The Princess emphasized that the traditional Japanese cherry tree planting ceremony, held in the garden of the Vietnamese Embassy during the peak bloom season, was a meaningful symbol of the bilateral friendship.

She expressed her belief that the commemorative cherry tree planted today would grow strong and bloom beautifully, just like the Vietnam-Japan relationship.

Ambassador Pham Quang Hieu expressed his deep gratitude to Princess Takamado for planting a Japanese cherry tree in the Vietnamese Embassy’s garden, considering it a wonderful testament to the strong friendship between Vietnam and Japan—a friendship strengthened through flowers.

The Ambassador stated that following the significant milestone of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations, the Ikebana International Fair 2024, under Vietnam’s leadership, was a valuable opportunity to promote cultural exchange, people-to-people interactions, and deepen the friendship between the two nations.

Mrs. Thai Thu Hong, wife of the Vietnamese Ambassador, expressed her honor and joy at the remarkable success of the Ikebana International Fair 2024, chaired by Vietnam.

The Japanese Prime Minister’s Wife and Other Spouses Experience Making 3D Jelly Sakura Flowers

The Prime Minister’s wife also stated that the cherry tree planted in the embassy’s garden was a beautiful symbol of Vietnam-Japan friendship.

As part of the event, the Vietnamese Embassy introduced a unique floral art performance from Vietnam—3D jelly flower carving.

Guests, including Princess Takamado and the Prime Minister’s wife, had the opportunity to create 3D jelly art under the guidance of Vietnamese artist Tran Phuong Nga.

The event, themed "Floral Diplomacy," contributed to strengthening friendships and cultural understanding between Vietnam, Japan, and other countries around the world while conveying a message of peace and appreciation for the beauty of nature.

Japanese Prime Minister's Wife Ishiba Yoshiko and Foreign Minister's Wife Iwaya Sakoto Participate in the Cherry Tree Planting Ceremony