Opera Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations Between Japan and Vietnam

I went to see the Japanese premiere of the new opera “Princess Anio” at Hitomi Memorial Hall of Showa Women’s University.

Based on historical fact, this opera tells the love story of its protagonists, Araki Sotaro and Vietnam’s Princess Ngoc Hoa (Princess Anio).

The key phrase in the opera is A-RI-GA-TO (thank you).

“Thank you” truly is a wonderful phrase.

The music was performed by the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Tetsuji Honna.

Together with the wonderful performance, it drew me into the story unfolding on stage.

I found myself shedding tears in the final act, but it ended happily, to thunderous applause.

I hope it will go on to be performed around the world, beginning with Vietnam and Japan.

It was that wonderful.

May the relationship between Japan and Vietnam continue to deepen.