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Duong Lam Ancient Village in Son Tay Town, Hanoi, is a beloved tourist destination, boasting a wealth of historical and cultural relics tied to national heroes and prominent figures. Artisan Nguyen Tan Phat teaches the art of crafting straw buffaloes and horses to children, igniting their creativity and appreciation for traditional folk art. Photo: Huy Pham/The Hanoi Times Nestled within the village are centuries-old laterite houses, which have witnessed a tourism boom in recent years. Among the myriad attractions, the toy-making workshop of artist Nguyen Tan Phat stands out as a favorite among visitors. Growing up in the lush countryside of northern Vietnam, Phat’s childhood memories are steeped in rice fields and folk games. It was these nostalgic recollections of straw that inspired him to create toys from this humble material. “Crafting buffaloes from straw is a simple art that children can easily master,” he shares. “With patience and practice, they can create t...

According to the Financial Post, the IMF predicts China’s growth rate to reach 4.5% in 2025, despite several measures taken to boost the country’s economy, such as increased net exports and additional funds. China’s challenges extend beyond its borders, as its ongoing trade war with the United States has resulted in new tariffs imposed by both nations, creating economic repercussions worldwide. IMF Deputy Director Gita Gopinath has drawn attention to the US-China tensions and their global impact. “We are observing geopolitically driven trade shifts worldwide,” she noted during a media briefing, adding that “while overall trade to GDP remains stable, the dynamics of who trades with whom are definitely changing.” In 2024, the number of trade tariffs between China, the EU, and the US has increased. Both the EU and the US have cited unfair trade practices and overmanufacturing by China as reasons for imposing higher tariffs, as local industry players feel disadvantaged. China h...

The Miss Petite Global pageant, established in 2020, celebrates women under 168cm, challenging beauty stereotypes and promoting education as a cornerstone of success. The 2024 winner, Ngan, from Vietnam, embodied these values and more. She expressed her surprise and pride in a Facebook post, sharing her journey to the crown and her dream-come-true moment representing her country on the international stage. Ngan, who stood out in her self-introduction video with a unique blend of Vietnamese culture and modern flair, also placed in the top ten for national costumes and the top five for video introductions. Born in Hanoi in 1997, she is a true ambassador for Vietnam, with her graceful presence and poise. The first runner-up in the Miss Petite Vietnam 2023 pageant, Ngan’s hard work and dedication paid off on the global platform. The grand finale, held in Malaysia on May 11, witnessed over 20 contestants from across the globe. The competition was fierce, with the first to fourth runner-...

The Japan Foundation is proud to present the largest international Japanese Film Festival (JFF) to date, taking place this June. With a diverse range of 23 films across various genres in the first two weeks, followed by two captivating TV drama series in the subsequent weeks, this festival promises to be a cinematic journey like no other. Audiences from 27 countries/regions will be able to stream these movies for free, with captions available in up to 16 languages. The Japan Foundation aims to provide a unique and captivating glimpse into Japan, its rich culture, and its people through this festival. There is something for everyone, with categories including comedy, horror, family-friendly films, drama, food-centric stories, LGBTQ+ representation, romance, and the ever-popular anime. In Vietnam, the festival will run from June 5 at 10:00 a.m. to July 3 at 10:00 a.m., consisting of two distinct periods. The first, from June 5 to 19, will showcase the diverse range of films, while the...