"Princess Anio" opera project announced

The "Princess Anio" opera project is scheduled to premiere at the Hanoi Opera House in September 2023 with the aim of promoting exchange and friendship between Japan and Vietnam while developing the music culture of both countries.

The opera "Princess Anio" was performed on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Japan-Vietnam diplomatic relations.
The opera "Princess Anio" was performed on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Japan-Vietnam diplomatic relations.

Information was announced at a press conference held at the Opera House, Hanoi, on December 16. The event will also be held on an online platform.

The event was attended by Yamada Takio, Japanese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Vietnam; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Do Hong Quan, Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Literature and Arts Associations and Chairman of the Vietnam Musicians’ Association; and representatives of leaders of relevant departments, ministries and branches.

The project is implemented by the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra in collaboration with the "Princess Anio" executive committee (Brain Group, Yamaha Music Vietnam, NPO International Exchange Promotion Council), on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Japan-Vietnam diplomatic relations (September 21, 1973 - September 21, 2023).

The content is a creative opera with the motif of the love story between Sotaro Araki, a merchant in Nagasaki, Japan, and Princess Anio in Hoi An, Vietnam, during the trading era of the Shuinsen in the early 17th century.

As an honorary consultant for the project, Japanese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Vietnam Yamada Takio expressed his hope that the opera "Princess Anio", with material from a love story that took place 350 years ago, will become a work that will help people of the two countries reminisce about the past of Japan and Vietnam, and at the same time contribute to strengthening and tightening the cohesion of the two peoples in the future.

Japanese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Vietnam Yamada Takio speaks at the press conference.

Speaking at the press conference, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ta Quang Dong affirmed that this is an external cultural event of special significance. Through recreating the beautiful love story of Japanese merchant and princess Ngoc Hoa, the project helps to generalise the overall picture of the good diplomatic relations between the two countries since the early 17th century.

The project brings together a production team including many experts and artists from the two countries. After the show in Hanoi, the play will continue to be performed in Japan.