As part of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations in 2023, the Vietnam Symphony Orchestra and units including Brain Group, Yamaha Music Vietnam, and the NPO International Exchange Promotion Association, joined forces to produce the special opera “Princess Anio”.
Following its successful premieres in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Tokyo in 2024, where it received widespread acclaim from experts and audiences alike, the opera was brought to Da Nang in late February 2025.
Once again, the love story between Japanese merchant Araki Sotaro and Princess Ngoc Hoa (called Princess Anio by Japanese) in Hoi An (Vietnam) was brought to life on stage by renowned artists from both countries. The performance helps audiences gain a deeper understanding of the culture and history of Vietnam and Japan, as well as the longstanding traditional friendship between the two nations.
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Artist Dao To Loan plays the role of Princess Anio (Princess Ngoc Hoa). |
The versatile soprano Dao To Loan played Princess Anio (Princess Ngoc Hoa), impressively portraying the image of a woman from the Vietnamese royal lineage.
Meanwhile, Japanese singer Kobori Yusuke took the role of Japanese merchant Araki Sotaro, Princess Ngoc Hoa’s lover.
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Artist Kobori Yusuke plays the role of the merchant Araki Sotaro. |
Princess Ngọc Hoa and the Japanese merchant Araki Sotaro first met on a ship drifting at sea, amidst the thriving trade between their two nations. Ten years later, fate led them to cross paths once again. And then, without realising when it began, they fell in love. Their hearts belonged to each other, and they vowed to become husband and wife.
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Honna Tetsuji is the conductor of the Vietnam Symphony Orchestra in the performance. |
Honna Tetsuji was a key contributor to the success of the special opera. He was the director general of the project and the music director and chief-conductor of the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra. Through meticulous preparation and his masterful conducting, the opera delivered an unforgettable emotional experience for the audience.
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Narrator Oyama Daisuke |
One of the most remarkable artists in the performance is Oyama Daisuke, who took on multiple roles as an opera singer, theatre actor, and stage director. With his captivating storytelling and dynamic narration, Oyama brings to life the layered drama of the beautiful yet challenging love story between Princess Ngoc Hoa and the Japanese merchant Araki Sotaro.
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The stage design, enhanced by modern technology, creates an immersive setting with vivid imagery. |
The artists performed multiple duets and arias, accompanied by a sextet from the Vietnam Symphony Orchestra under the baton of conductor Honna Tetsuji. With emotionally rich narration and mesmerising stage crafted through advanced technology, the production vividly recreated the 17th-century setting. This legendary love story of a talented young couple, passed down through generations, captivated the audience, allowing them to feel the cultural connection and enduring friendship between the two nations.
