The Magic of Smiles at the 10th Japan Vietnam Festival

Hordes of excited visitors descended on 23/9 Park in District 1 on Saturday, eager to immerse themselves in the vibrant and dynamic culture of Japan at the Japan Vietnam Festival (JVF). The festival, a celebration of the vibrant relationship between the two nations, promised an immersive and exciting experience for all in attendance. With a plethora of activities and exhibits on offer, the event was a unique and captivating showcase of Japanese culture in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.

Administrator

21 March, 2025

The Japan Vietnam Festival, now in its 10th edition, is a celebration of the strong cultural and tourism ties between Japan and Vietnam. This year’s event features a diverse range of activities that showcase the traditions of both countries, including cultural exchanges, trade promotions, culinary delights, and tourism exhibitions. With approximately 150 booths, the festival offers a vibrant and engaging experience for all attendees.

Tran Xuan Toan, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Tuoi Tre (Youth) Newspaper, introduces the iconic Vietnamese conical hat to guests at the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Association’s booth. This image captures the essence of cultural exchange that the festival promotes.

Nguyen Van Duoc, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, delivered an opening address, emphasizing the significance of this year’s festival. He highlighted the impressive journey of the event in the southern city and the strengthening of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan, now in its second year. This partnership has created new avenues for investment, cultural exchange, and solidarity.

The festival’s theme, “Holding Hands Together – Towards the Future,” is a testament to the commitment of both nations to foster deeper connections while promoting a message of friendship, mutual support, and sustainable development.

Distinguished guests explore the Ho Chi Minh City Pavilion, showcasing the city’s unique culture and attractions at the festival.

Miyaji Takuma, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, expressed his delight at the close relationship between the two countries, spanning various fields such as politics, economy, security, and cultural exchange. He particularly commended the growing interaction and mutual understanding between the people of Japan and Vietnam.

A Festival for All

This year’s event has something for everyone, with numerous booths showcasing the best of Japanese and Vietnamese trade, food, and tourism. Tsutomu Takebe, Honorary Chairman of the Japan-side JVF Organizing Committee, has ensured a diverse range of offerings.

Additionally, the festival features captivating cultural and artistic exchange programs on stage, with performances by talented Vietnamese and Japanese artists. One of the highlights is the introduction of sports games, attracting visitors of all ages. From cycling to exciting new sports like BMX, football, baseball, and martial arts, the festival offers an engaging experience for sports enthusiasts.

A visitor tries their hand at football at one of the sports booths, adding to the festival’s interactive nature.

A visitor practices baseball, one of the many sports featured at the festival, attracting people of all ages.

Seiko Hashimoto, a member of the Japanese House of Councillors and chairperson of the Japan-side JVF Organizing Committee, shared her vision for the event. Having participated in seven Olympic Games as an athlete, she understands the power of sports in bringing people together. Her goal is to strengthen the exchanges between Japan and Vietnam, and the introduction of sports at the festival is a step towards that direction.

A Festival of Smiles and Culinary Delights

The festival was a vibrant gathering of attendees donning traditional Japanese and Vietnamese outfits, along with young cosplay enthusiasts who added a touch of creativity and fun. Uyen Nhi, known as Aline in the cosplay community, shared her excitement about attending for the third year, eager to discover new features and performances.

Aline appreciated the cultural performances and entertainment, and she especially looked forward to the evening performance by the famous Vietnamese singer Quang Hung MasterD. Over the years, she has made fond memories and connections with fellow cosplayers, making the festival a special event for her.

Aline was also drawn to the booths showcasing traditional attire, offering a unique glimpse into the fashion heritage of both countries.

Visitors learn the art of making miniature áo dài, the elegant Vietnamese traditional costume, at one of the festival’s creative booths.

For Mai Khoi, known as Berry, this was her first cosplay experience, and she was both excited and nervous. However, the enthusiastic crowd and the many photo requests made the experience memorable for her and her friend Aline.

Nguyet Hanh and her friend, dressed in the elegant áo dài, stumbled upon the festival after attending the nearby Áo Dài Festival. They were overwhelmed by the vast array of food options but enjoyed the lively atmosphere and the chance to discover new dishes.

A chef skillfully grills scallops, tempting festival-goers with the delicious aroma.

Hanh was thrilled to find her favorite Japanese beauty products at great discounts, adding to the allure of the festival.

Heiko Bittinski, a tourist from Germany, was drawn to the festival by the lively atmosphere. He captured the vibrant food scene with his camera, fascinated by the peaceful coexistence of Japanese and Vietnamese cuisines. The sight of people smiling and enjoying dishes from both cultures together left a lasting impression on him.

Japanese cuisine, known for its delicate flavors and artful presentation, is prepared with precision at one of the festival’s food booths.

Sushi rolls, a beloved Japanese delicacy, are carefully crafted by skilled chefs, offering a taste of Japan in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.

The festival presented a delightful spread of traditional Vietnamese cakes and eye-catching Japanese street food, creating a culinary journey that satisfied both the eyes and the palate.