Singing opera in Vietnamese is a fun and enjoyable experience.

In their first visit to Vietnam, two Japanese opera artists surprised everyone by singing in Vietnamese with local artists at the introduction of the opera “Princess Anio” – a special art project, held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The Embassy of Japan in Vietnam and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism recently held a press conference to introduce the opera "Princess Anio", based on the love story between a Vietnamese princess and a Japanese merchant that has been passed down in the two countries.

Nghệ sĩ Nhật Bản: Hát opera bằng tiếng Việt là một trải nghiệm thú vị nhiều niềm vui

Guests took souvenir photos at the press conference on the afternoon of May 18. (Photo: Le An)

Araki Sotaro was a merchant ship from Japan in the early 17th century, who traveled from Nagasaki to Dang Trong (now Central Vietnam). He met Princess Ngoc Hoa as a predestined relationship and was agreed by Lord Nguyen to marry her. Afterwards, Ariki Sotaro brought Princess Ngoc Hoa to live in Nagasaki.

Here, she was loved by the people and called Anio San. Today, the palanquin procession welcoming Princess Anio is still recreated in the “Goshuin Ship” scene held every seven years at the Nagasaki Kunchi festival.

Sharing about this play at the press conference, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio, honorary advisor of the Project, emphasized: “This year, Japan and Vietnam celebrate the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations. I believe that the foundation for the development of the relationship between the two countries is understanding and empathy between people.

Examples of such understanding and empathy can be seen in a long history that goes far beyond the scope of 50 years, and one of the most typical examples is the love story between merchant Araki Sotaro and Princess Ngoc Hoa.

Ambassador Yamada Takio said that he recently had the opportunity to visit Nagasaki and see with his own eyes the graves of merchant Araki and princess Anio, which are side by side and are preserved and worshiped to this day. When he arrived here, he felt that the story of the two people was the starting point of the equal partnership between the two countries.

The Ambassador hopes that the opera will become a mark of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Japan-Vietnam diplomatic relations, helping to further strengthen the bond between the people of the two countries.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Nguyen Phuong Hoa, Director of the Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated that the two countries have been coordinating to organize many rich and vibrant activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan. In particular, the Opera project “Princess Anio” is a cultural and diplomatic event of special significance.

Ms. Nguyen Phuong Hoa believes: “The opera tells the love story between a Vietnamese princess and a Japanese merchant - a symbol of the increasingly strong relationship between our two countries. Through creativity in culture, art, music, painting, language and lyrics, the joint stage work between artists of the two countries is a tribute to the common values of our two peoples."

Japanese and Vietnamese artists recreate the love story of merchant Araki Sotaro and princess Anio. (Photo: Le An)

Bringing together the production team and outstanding opera artists of the two countries, the opera "Princess Anio" will officially premiere at the Hanoi Opera House for 3 nights next September and is expected to tour several provinces and cities in Vietnam. With meaningful messages, the opera will contribute to the development of the two countries' music, as well as promote bilateral friendship.

Project representative, Mr. Honna Tetsuji, Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra, shared: “We want to create a work that will be passed down to future generations. Therefore, it is extremely important to research and thoroughly understand historical evidence. We have contacted and relied on the knowledge of historical consultants from both Vietnam and Japan to build the most accurate and authentic story.”

At the press conference, attendees had the opportunity to interact and enjoy the duet Con thuyen anh sao (Star Boat) , taken from Act 2 of the play. Although they had only practiced together one day before the press conference, artists Kobori Yusuke and Yamamoto Kohei (as merchant Araki Sotaro), and artists Dao To Loan and Bui Thi Trang (as princess Anio) surprised the audience with their harmony in lyrics and emotions in their roles.

Answering the question of the reporter of TG&VN Newspaper about the challenge of singing opera in Vietnamese, the two artists Kobori Yusuke and Yamamoto Kohei said that it was an interesting experience with a lot of joy, as well as always receiving enthusiastic support from Vietnamese artists.

Tenor Kobori Yusuke shared: “I have sung in other languages, but I have no experience performing or singing in Vietnamese. Learning Vietnamese is really difficult, but after a period of practice, I have discovered interesting points of this language.

For example, when speaking Vietnamese, I have to make facial expressions and change my mouth shape when pronouncing, so I laugh a lot during practice."

Vietnamese and Japanese artists perform and interact at the press conference. (Photo: Le An)

Artists Dao To Loan and Bui Thi Trang also expressed their happiness and honor to participate in a musical with careful, meticulous, and professional preparation and investment, with the cooperation of two countries.

Soprano Dao To Loan said: “Although we have only met and practiced with our co-performers, we already feel very close to and admire the Japanese artists who have successfully practiced singing in Vietnamese. Perhaps, it is the similarities in culture and music between the two countries that have created favorable conditions for us to find harmony in each other.”

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