Vietnam-Japan Festival: 'Intangible thread' of comprehension and empathy

On the morning of March 9, the Vietnam - Japan Festival with the theme "Holding Hands Together - From Now On" opened at 23/9 Park (District 1).

Former State President Truong Tan Sang, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang, Chairman of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City Phan Van Mai, Special Advisor to the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Parliamentarians' Union Takebe Tsutomu, Member of the Japanese House of Councillors Hashimoto Seiko, Ambassador of Japan to Vietnam Yamada Takio, Consul General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City Ono Masuo, leaders and former delegates were in attendance at the opening ceremony.

The 9th Vietnam-Japan Festival is being held on an important date, according to Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang, as the two nations have just concluded a significant year of 50 years of diplomatic relations and entered 2024, the inaugural year of implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Japan.

The festival serves as a manifestation of the common goals held by the leaders and citizens of the two nations: to foster additional solidarity and collaboration, and to collectively construct a more promising future for both countries. In doing so, it positively impacts regional and global peace, stability, development, and cooperation.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang conveyed the assurance that a significant turnout from both nations will attend the festival, thereby introducing a variety of experiences pertaining to the nations, their inhabitants, exquisite culinary traditions, and exquisite traditional cultural attributes.

Simultaneously, it advances the "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world" in novel domains including high technology, digital transformation, the environment, and tourism, as well as business and labor cooperation.

Phan Van Mai, chairman of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, stated, "Ho Chi Minh City strives to fulfill its role and commitment as a leading locality contributing to the Vietnam-Japan relationship by becoming the most dependable partner of Japanese localities in various fields."

"In the upcoming two days, the city's residents will witness various programs including music and dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, agricultural product introductions, tourism, handicrafts, and exquisite cuisine," he continued.

Mr. Yamada Takio, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Vietnam, asserts that a "thread" of comprehension and compassion connects the people of Vietnam and Japan, which has been cultivated over an extended period of time due to their cultural and historical ties. By engaging in observances of fifty years of diplomatic relations, this bond is strengthening and becoming more enduring.

Mr. Yamada Takio anticipates noteworthy advancements in the substantive and efficient development of the Japan-Vietnam relationship by 2024, which would merit the designation of "Comprehensive Strategic Partner."

The 9th Vietnam-Japan Festival is scheduled to take place at 23/9 Park, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, from March 9th to 10th. It will feature an abundance of exciting activities, including participation in cosplay activities, snow experiences, shopping for Japanese cuisine, and enjoying lively J-POP performances by renowned dance vocal groups and ingenious collaborative performances between Vietnamese and Japanese artists.