Published:  00:00 Sunday - December 05, 2010

The Japanese Embassy in coordination with the Aikido Yukishudokan and Kendo Hanoi Clubs held a performance of Aikido and Kendo in Hanoi on December 4.

Speaking at the event, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yasuaki Tanizaki said that Aikido and Kendo are Japan’s two traditional martial arts that represent the unique cultural identity of the people in the country of cherry blossoms.

He expressed his wish that the performance would help Vietnamese people, especially young people, understand more about the Japanese culture, and strengthen the friendship and mutual understanding between the two nations.

Aikido was formed in Japan and developed throughout the world in the middle of the 20^th century. Aikido practitioners do not use attacking movements but take advantage of their rivals’ strength to master them.

Formed 1,200 years ago, Kendo uses bamboo-made sticks to attack the rival with the aim of strengthening physical and spiritual health as well as improving concentration on study and work.