Hoàng Thái tử và Công nương Nhật Bản thăm Khu đền tháp Mỹ Sơn

On the morning of September 24.9, Japanese Crown Prince Fumihito Akishino and Princess Kawashima Kiko visited My Son World Cultural Heritage. Mr. Le Tri Thanh, Chairman of Quang Nam Provincial People's Committee and Mr. Nguyen Cong Dung, Secretary of Duy Xuyen District Party Committee welcomed the Crown Prince and Princess Kiko at My Son Temple Tower, located on the southern bank of the Thu Bon River, to the west of Duy Xuyen district, Quang Nam province. It is the most important Hindu religious center of the Champa Kingdom, with the history of contruction from the 4th to the 13th century. The earliest inscription on the stele said King Bhadresvara built a temple to worship Shiva- Bhadravarman around the end of the 4th century, and dynasties later continued construction until around the end of the 13th century. However, the existing structures date back to the 7th to 13th centuries. According to statistics from the early 20th century, more than 70 architectural works built in different groups, French scholars named groups A, B-C-D, E-F, G, H, K, L, M, N. With several unique cultural, artistic, and architectural values, in December 1999, UNESCO designated My Son Sanctuary as a World Heritage Site with 2 criterias:

Criterion (ii): The My Son Sanctuary is an exceptional example of cultural interchange, with an indigenous society adapting to external cultural influences, notably the Hindu art and architecture of the Indian sub-continent.

Criterion (iii): The Champa Kingdom was an important phenomenon in the political and cultural history of South – East Asia, vividly illustrated by the ruins of My Son.

Groups of temples were seriously destroyed by nature and war. There were only archaeological ruins and a few structures in their original appearance. When Vietnam was at peace, many groups of temples were restored and preserved. Besides domestic forces, the My Son Heritage Management Board receives support from many countries around the world in research, archaeological excavation, and restoration. Japan also supported the construction of the Exhibition House (My Son Museum), which was completed and operational in 2005. My Son Exhibition House was built next to Khe The stream to welcome and provide information about the My Son relic before entering the temple groups. It is 2km from the temple complex. There are a lot of illustrated panels and artifacts about inscriptions, sculptures, architecture, and models that help visitors learn about the value of My Son. The museum and the office help improve the landscape of the Khe The area. My Son Museum plays an important role in heritage education as well as preserving and promoting the My Son Heritage value. It is considered a symbol of friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Japan. For decades, many Japanese researchers have been interested in studying ancient cultures in Duy Xuyen province, such as Sa Huynh and Champa.

The visit of Japan Crown Prince Fumihito Akishino and Princess Kawashima Kiko to My Son heritage demonstrates the good relationship between Vietnam and Japan as well as the specific attention to conservation and promoting the value of Champa Culture.