A Vietnamese designer has claimed a Japanese prize in the arts and culture category for her contributions to the development of fashion at home and abroad, especially when it comes to “ao dai” (traditional long gowns).

Vietnamese designer Dang Thi Minh Hanh was named the winner of the arts and culture category of the Fukuoka Prize, which honors people for their contributions toward developing fashion and promoting outstanding culture in Asia, on July 7 in Viet Nam’s capital city of Ha Noi.

The Fukuoka Prize Committee announced the result during a press conference the same day.

Vietnamese designer Dang Thi Minh Hanh (left) receives the award certificate from a representative of Japan’s Fukuoka City on July 7, 2015.

Speaking at the event, Jun Yanagi, an envoy of the Japanese Embassy, said that he has seen a lot of Hanh’s designs and is greatly moved because those are exquisite artworks which make him feel the beauty of Vietnamese women.

Huynh Vinh Ai, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism said Hanh has not only made important contributions to the country’s fashion sector, but also helped promote Vietnamese culture to Asian and international friends.

This year’s Fukuoka Prize also went to two historians from India and Myanmar.

The official awards ceremony will take place in Fukuoka City in September.

The Fukuoka Prize was initiated in 1990 and has been awarded to 99 people from many countries in the last 25 years.

The prize aims at honoring individuals and organizations for conserving and developing the diversity of Asian culture.

A total of 251 people from 31 countries and territories were nominated this year.

(Source: Tuoitrenews)