Crowds of visitors on Saturday gathered at 23/9 Park in District 1 to immerse themselves in the vibrant and festive atmosphere of the Japan Vietnam Festival (JVF) in Ho Chi Minh City.

The event, which is in its 10th edition, continues to celebrate the strong cultural and tourism ties between the two nations, featuring a wide range of activities highlighting both Japanese and Vietnamese traditions.

These include cultural exchanges, trade promotion, culinary showcases, and tourism exhibitions, with the participation of approximately 150 booths.

Tran Xuan Toan (left), deputy editor-in-chief of Tuoi Tre (Youth) Newspaper, introduces a Vietnamese conical hat to guests at the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Association in Ho Chi Minh City’s booth at the 10th Japan Vietnam Festival on March 8, 2025. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

In his opening remarks, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc, emphasized the significance of this year’s festival as it marks an impressive journey of the event in the southern city.

He also noted that 2025 marks the second year of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan, which has created new opportunities for investment cooperation, cultural exchange, and strengthened solidarity and friendship. 

The festival theme,“Holding Hands Together – Towards the Future,” reflects both nations’ commitment to deepening their comprehensive strategic partnership while conveying a message of friendship, mutual support, and sustainable development.

Distinguished guests visit the Ho Chi Minh City Pavilion at the 10th Japan Vietnam Festival in Ho Chi Minh City on March 8, 2025. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

"I am delighted to see that our two countries have been building a close relationship across various fields, including politics, economy, security, and cultural exchange,” Miyaji Takuma, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, delivered in his remarks.

“In particular, I am very pleased to witness the growing interaction and deepening mutual understanding between our people.”

An all-in-1 festival

According to Tsutomu Takebe, honorary chairman of the Japan-side JVF Organizing Committee, this year’s event continues to gather numerous booths showcasing trade, food, and tourism from businesses of both countries.

Additionally, a variety of cultural and artistic exchange programs on stage feature performances by Vietnamese and Japanese artists.

One of this year’s festival highlights is the sports games, which have attracted visitors of all ages.

Beyond the cycling zone which has been introduced since last year, this year’s JVF features exciting new sports such as BMX, football, baseball, sumo, judo, karate, and various martial arts.

A visitor tries out football at a sports booth at the 10th Japan Vietnam Festival in Ho Chi Minh City on March 8, 2025. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News

A visitor practices baseball at the 10th Japan Vietnam Festival in Ho Chi Minh City on March 8, 2025. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News

"When I took on the role of chair of the Japan-side JVF Organizing Committee last year, I wanted to introduce something new to further strengthen exchanges between our two countries," said Seiko Hashimoto, a member of the Japanese House of Councillors.

"I have participated in seven Olympic Games as an athlete: four times in speed skating at the Winter Olympics and three times in cycling at the Summer Olympics,”she added.

“Through these valuable experiences, I have gained a deep understanding of the benefits that sports bring.”

Seiko Hashimoto, chairperson of the Japan-side JVF Organizing Committee, rides a bicycle in the bicycle zone at the 10th Japan Vietnam Festival in Ho Chi Minh City on March 8, 2025. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News

“Everyone smiling and eating”

The event welcomed many attendees in traditional Japanese and Vietnamese outfits, along with numerous young cosplay enthusiasts who added to the festive atmosphere with their creative costumes.

Uyen Nhi, known as Aline in the cosplay community, was excited to attend the festival for the third year in a row, and eager to see what new features and performances had been introduced. 

She noted the many updates to the event, from cultural performances to entertainment, and was especially looking forward to staying until the evening to watch Vietnamese famous singer Quang Hung MasterD perform. 

Reflecting on her experiences, she recalled feeling a bit overwhelmed during her first visit, but by her third time, she was happy to reconnect with fellow cosplayers from previous years and meet new friends. 

Aline was particularly fascinated by the booths showcasing traditional Japanese and Vietnamese attire.

Visitors learn to make miniature áo dài (Vietnamese traditional costume) at a booth at the 10th Japan Vietnam Festival in Ho Chi Minh City on March 8, 2025. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News

For her friend Mai Khoi, known as Berry, this was her first time cosplaying, making her both excited and nervous. 

Despite that, both Khoi and Nhi were thrilled by the enthusiastic crowd, especially the many festival-goers who asked to take photos with them.

Nguyet Hanh and her friend, both dressed in traditional Vietnamese costume áo dài, stopped by the festival after attending the nearby Áo Dài Festival. 

As first-time visitors, they were overwhelmed by the large number of booths which made them confused in choosing which dish to try out, but enjoyed the experience. 

A chef grills scallops at a booth at the 10th Japan Vietnam Festival in Ho Chi Minh City on March 8, 2025. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News

Hanh was particularly excited to find Japanese beauty products she regularly uses available at great discounts. 

Meanwhile Heiko Bittinski, a tourist from Germany, was drawn to the lively atmosphere of the 10th Japan-Vietnam Festival from his hotel just across the street.

"It's interesting to see the different food here," he told Tuoi Tre News.

Japanese food is prepared at a booth at the 10th Japan Vietnam Festival in Ho Chi Minh City on March 8, 2025. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News

Sushi rolls are prepared at a booth at the 10th Japan Vietnam Festival in Ho Chi Minh City on March 8, 2025. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News

With his camera in hand, the German visitor eagerly captured the vibrant food scene at the event, describing it as “peaceful and nice” to see people smiling and enjoying both Japanese and Vietnamese dishes together.

Traditional Vietnamese cakes are displayed at a booth at the 10th Japan Vietnam Festival in Ho Chi Minh City on March 8, 2025. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News

An eye-catching Japanese street food booth at the 10th Japan Vietnam Festival in Ho Chi Minh City on March 8, 2025. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!