The concert was part of a series of activities to mark the 45th anniversary of bilateral relations between Japan and Vietnam. The orchestra was led by Japanese conductor Tetsuji Honna, who is also principal conductor and music director of the VNSO.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Nguyen Quoc Cuong said musical exchange is an impressive thing in the two countries’ relations, noting that Nha Nhac (Vietnamese court music) came to Japan in the mid-8th century.
This is the fourth time the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra has performed in Japan. Aside from the music performance, there were also many activities that were held in Japan such as a cultural festival, a Vietnamese speaking contest, and a Vietnamese art exhibition.