The ‘Vietnam Phở Festival 2023’ will go international and make Japan its first overseas destination in early October to spread the taste of Vietnam’s traditional dish to Japanese.

Seven years from its debut, the ‘Day of Pho’ (December 12) will be organized in Tokyo, Japan, featuring the ‘Vietnam Phở Festival 2023,’ slated to kick off on October 7 and 8.

The festival serves as a tangible commemoration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan.

Within the framework of an introduction ceremony for the festival held at the headquarters of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Thursday, the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Association in Ho Chi Minh City announced the establishment of the Tuoi Tre newspaper branch of the association. 

The founding is expected to contribute to deepening the Vietnam-Japan relationship.

Speaking at the event, Tuoi Tre's Editor-in-Chief Le The Chu said that the Vietnam-Japan ties have flourished mightily.

The establishment of the branch is aimed at cementing the bilateral relations, while enhancing efforts in connecting Vietnamese and Japanese people.

Masuo Ono, Japanese Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, sent his congratulations to Tuoi Tre on the establishment of the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Association branch.

He assessed Tuoi Tre as a highly prestigious newspaper, which covers various articles about the Vietnam-Japan partnership in economic, cultural, and diplomatic aspects.

“The ties between the two nations are developing strongly, and this year marks the 50th anniversary of their bilateral relations. Young people will be held accountable for the growth of this relationship in the future,” said the Japanese consul general.

“Tuoi Tre has popularized news and information about the two nations’ friendship and partnership among the youth.”

“I believe that the news agency will continue its role in boosting the mutual understanding for young people, and strengthening such a valuable friendship,” he stressed.

Mentioning the ‘Vietnam Phở Festival,’ he said that pho is a favorite dish in Japan, so many Japanese will be eager to join the Vietnamese cuisine fest. 

The festival will act as a platform for Vietnamese and Japanese people to exchange culture through pho.

Pho is a signature Vietnamese dish of fresh rice noodles with broth and meat.

Some 480,000 Vietnamese live in Japan, said Tran Xuan Toan, deputy editor-in-chief of Tuoi Tre.

The festival, which will take place at Yoyogi Park - Keyaki Namiki, is meant to introduce Vietnamese cuisine, especially pho, to the world and recreate the taste of homeland pho for overseas Vietnamese.

Scheduled to attend the ‘Vietnam Phở Festival 2023,’ co-hosted by Tuoi Tre and Saigontourist Group, are many chefs and winners of the ‘Hoa Hoi Vang’ (Golden Star Anise) award Nguyen Tien Hai, Nguyen Tu Tin, and Pham Quang Duy.

The 'Hoa Hoi Vang' award is granted each year during the 'Day of Pho' event to honor pho chefs from across Vietnam.

Participating restaurants include Pho Dau, Pho Hai Thien, Hotel Majestic Saigon, Pho Phu Gia, Pho’S, Sen SASCO, Pho Ta, Binh Tay Food, Pho VGCC, and Pho Thin Bo Ho, among others.

The event receives backing from the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Association in Ho Chi Minh City, and Japanese partners.

The festival will be rolled out in association with national carrier Vietnam Airlines, Suntory Beverage & Food, Southern Airports Services Joint Stock Company (SASCO), Dai-ichi Life, and ALSOK.

Miss Intercontinental 2022 Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc is this year’s ambassador for the festival.

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