Present at the opening ceremony were the National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, Chairman of the Hanoi Municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung and other leadership from ministries, central agencies and Hanoi’s departments.

During the event, artistic items featuring popular elements of Vietnam’s and Japan’s culture were performed.

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An art performance at the opening ceremony. Photo: VOV

As part of the Festival, and alongside the display of 50 cherry (sakura) trees, 10,000 branches of cherry flowers in full bloom, some species of Vietnamese flowers, various interesting and meaningful activities will be held. They include a ceremony to present and plant sakura trees in Hoa Binh (Peace) Park, the opening of a space introducing Japanese culture and introduction of Vietnamese and Japanese cuisine.

Earlier, in the morning, the Hanoi Municipal People’s Committee hosted a seminar during which the participants discussed ways to boost investment and tourism cooperation between Hanoi and Japan.

The festival, jointly organized by the Hanoi Municipal People’s Committee, the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam and the Advanced International Joint-Stock Company (AIC), will run until March 26.

Translated by Mai Huong