The exchange, to be held at Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam (the Temple of Literature), is part of the “Power of Calligraphy” programme to commemorate 40 years of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Japan this year.

Member of the Vietnam UNESCO Calligraphy Club will also join the two artists in calligraphy demonstrations and talks at the temple the same day.

Takeda Souun is a famous calligrapher appointed the 2013 “Japan Cultural Envoy” by the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs. He has conducted calligraphy lectures, demonstrations, and commissions for a variety of events around the world. Souun regularly incorporates sculptors and musicians into his calligraphy workshops.

This will be his first visit to Vietnam.

Trung Hieu was awarded Best Lead Actor at the 2009 Vietnam Film Festival and the Vietnam Stage Artist Association’s Best Actor in 2012.

He started studying calligraphy in 2001 and is recognised as one of the Vietnam Young Calligraphy Club’s most promising talents.

Takeda Souun will host another calligraphy demonstration and workshop as part of the Japan-Hoi An Festival in Quang Nam province from August 24–25.