Ho Chi Minh City Makes Great Contributions to Vietnam - Japan Cooperations
	Ho Chi Minh City And Japan Expand Economic, Cultural And People-To-People Cooperation

In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Nguyen Van Duoc stated that the Vietnam - Japan Festival has been a solid bridge for friendship between the two countries, bringing their people closer together.

A traditional dance performance at the opening ceremony.

This year’s festival marks an impressive 10-year journey of the event in Ho Chi Minh City. Additionally, 2025 is the second year of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Japan, opening up new opportunities for investment cooperation, cultural exchange, and strengthening solidarity and friendship for mutual development. It serves as a strong driving force for both countries to move toward transformation and adaptation, aiming for a jointly created and prosperous future.

Takebe Tsutomu, Special Advisor to the Japan-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance and honorary Chairman of the organizing board of the Japan-Vietnam Festival 2025, emphasized that the festival plays a significant role in promoting exchange and enhancing mutual understanding across various fields, including economics, culture, society, and academia.

Having become one of the largest Vietnam - Japan exchange events in Vietnam, the festival’s increasing scale reflects the strong bond between the two countries and raises expectations for future cooperation and development.

Takebe Tsutomu noted that in the face of global challenges, Vietnam and Japan must further strengthen their collaboration under the spirit of "Joining Hands, Towards the Future," fostering positive momentum for younger generations. He expressed hope that the Vietnam - Japan Festival would continue to serve as a vital platform for achieving this goal.

Standing Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu congratulated the festival and expressed his admiration for its theme. He considered it a commitment to cooperation within the festival’s framework and a profound message affirming the determination to build, preserve, and cultivate the enduring friendship between Vietnam and Japan now and in the future.

According to Nguyen Minh Vu, the unity and close ties between the two countries have enabled them to overcome numerous challenges and continuously expand cooperation across all sectors, including economy, trade, investment, local-to-local cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges. This collaboration is expanding into new areas such as digital transformation, green transition, and innovation.

He also expressed confidence that the Vietnam - Japan Festival in Ho Chi Minh City would continue to grow, fostering deeper mutual understanding and opening up practical and effective cooperation opportunities in the coming years.

According to Senator Hashimoto Seiko, Co-Chair of the Vietnam - Japan Festival 2025 Executive Committee, this year’s festival features over 100 booths, approximately 30 stage performances, and numerous special event zones and activities. Among them are popular sports included in the Olympic Games, which will enhance mutual understanding and further strengthen the relationship between Vietnam and Japan.

The festival attracts the participation of many residents.

The organizing board aims to attract approximately 450,000 visitors to this year’s festival, surpassing last year’s record of 420,000 attendees.

The 10th Vietnam - Japan Festival in Ho Chi Minh City is held over two days from March 8-9. It includes a series of trade, culinary, and tourism exchange events; showcases of Vietnamese and Japanese products; and seminars and business meetings to promote Japanese tourism in Vietnam.

Notably, the festival features a Vietnam-Japan student exchange program under the theme "Children, Earth, and the Future," a friendship cycling event, and the "Japan Vietnam Kodomo Feature Tomodachi Show" by Vietnamese and Japanese artists. Additionally, visitors can participate in cultural experiences such as learning about traditional Japanese sports, an ao dai fashion show, calligraphy performances, a parade, and meet-and-greet sessions with beloved Japanese animated characters.

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam - Japan Festival in Ho Chi Minh City, the first-ever "Ho Chi Minh City Festival in Japan" is scheduled to take place in Tokyo from November 1-2.

This event will include Vietnamese cultural exchanges, artistic performances, an LED Mapping light art showcase, exhibition spaces, trade and tourism promotions, and a blend of Ho Chi Minh City and Japanese history and culture. Other highlights will include a traditional tea culture exchange and a business and investment promotion seminar.

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