A Japan-Vietnam festival, themed “Joining hands together”, kicked off in Ho Chi Minh City on November 18, attracting 85 Vietnamese and Japanese exhibitors with nearly 140 stalls.

 
 A drum performance by Japanese artists at the opening ceremony. (Source: VOV)

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong expressed his belief that the annual festival will continue to be an outstanding cultural exchange between the two countries, contributing to fostering bilateral solidarity and friendship.

Head of the festival’s organising board Takebe Tsutomu said the event will bring Vietnamese and Japanese people together to learn about each other’s culture.

During the two-day event, visitors can join various exciting activities such as karaoke competitions, taking photos with Pikachu, playing Japanese traditional musical instruments and trying Japanese specialties.

A concert directed by Sugi Ryotaro, slated for November 19 and 20 nights, promises to be a special music rendezvous.

The event is originally known as the Japan festival in Vietnam which was held for the first time in 2013. This year, its name was changed to the Japan-Vietnam festival in order to show unity and mutual understanding of culture and traditions.

Source: VNA