Tsutomo Kaneda has been living in Vietnam for more than 15 years now. He's spent a lot of his time studying Vietnam's temples and pagodas. After three years learning Vietnamese and five years collecting data on temples and pagodas in Hanoi, Kaneda has finished translating a book titled "Pagodas in Hanoi" from Vietnamese into Japanese. The book he translated comprises of photos and basic information on the location, history, and architecture of 173 temples and pagodas in Hanoi.
Tsutomu Kaneda, Japanese translator, "Pagodas in Hanoi" book said: By translating this book into Japanese, I hope that Japanese-speaking readers will understand more about Vietnam. My translation aims to be a source for those who are considering travelling to Vietnam. Anyone who visits Vietnam will be enchanted by the beauty of Vietnamese temples and pagodas.
Now that he's finished the book, Kaneda plans on continuing his research on Vietnamese beliefs and culture.
A lacquer paintings by Japanese artist Saeko Ando
Meanwhile, Japanese artist Saeko Ando is passionate about Vietnamese lacquer paintings. Saeko has had an interest in the art since 1995. She's combined Japanese influences with traditional Vietnamese lacquer paintings, creating unique pieces of art.
Do Cong The, Viewer said: Her lacquer paintings evoke a lot of emotion. I can see Japanese culture hidden in her paintings with the use of Vietnamese lacquer technique.. I have learnt a lot from her paintings.
Saeko Ando, Japanese artist said: The more I practice Vietnamese lacquer, the more I discover how wonderful it is. Vietnamese lacquer paintings have hidden colors. After a while, the surface layer becomes more transparent, revealing other layers of color underneath. Thus, the painting becomes more striking and vivid.
Saeko Ando's lacquer paintings and Tsutomu Kaneda's book on Vietnamese pagodas and temples demonstrate the passion the two have for the country they've been living in. The longer they stay in Vietnam, the stronger the passion they have for its cultural values will be.
