The Vietnam Festival 2025 kicked off on May 31 at Yoyogi Park in Tokyo, showcasing a rich array of activities aimed at immersing visitors in the allure of Việt Nam. As Japan's largest annual Vietnamese festival, it draws a vibrant mix of Vietnamese residents, Japanese friends, and international guests eager to experience Vietnamese culture and cuisine. In his remarks at the event, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Chí Dũng emphasized that since its launch in 2008, the Vietnam Festival has become a significant symbol of cultural exchange between Việt Nam and Japan, eagerly anticipated by both the Vietnamese community and Japanese enthusiasts.
The festival stands out as one of the few international events in Tokyo that has hosted esteemed guests from both nations, including members of the Japanese Imperial Family, such as the current Emperor, who attended as Crown Prince in 2008.
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed confidence that the Vietnam Festival 2025, featuring over 100 booths and a diverse range of activities, will provide unique cultural experiences from both Vietnam and Japan. This event aims to strengthen connections and enhance cooperation in economics, trade, investment, and cultural tourism between the two countries.
In his opening remarks, Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Phạm Quang Hiệu emphasized that the Vietnam Festival in Japan is not only a celebration but also a significant bridge that connects the hearts of the Vietnamese and Japanese people.
He emphasized that Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru’s official visit to Vietnam represents a significant milestone in bilateral relations, enhancing mutual trust and cooperation across various sectors. The festival builds on this momentum by celebrating cultural harmony and mutual respect through everyday expressions, such as cuisine, music, art, and interpersonal connections.
Yuko Obuchi, Chair of the Japan-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance, remarked that the annual Vietnam Festival at Yoyogi Park is well-known for highlighting traditional Vietnamese arts and cuisine. In her role as chair, she committed to fostering exchanges between parliamentarians and friendship associations to further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi noted that 2025 will be a significant year for Việt Nam, marking the 50th anniversary of the war's conclusion. He expressed profound admiration for the remarkable progress the Vietnamese people have made since that time and expressed hope that the Vietnam Festival and the Vietnam Pavilion at EXPO 2025 will further enhance the exchange between the two nations.
The festival aims to showcase Việt Nam's unique and rich cultural heritage to Japanese audiences. Highlights will include traditional folk arts such as the distinctive water puppet shows, Áo Dài fashion displays, authentic Vietnamese cuisine, and representations of the gentle, friendly, and creative spirit of the Vietnamese people.
This year’s festival will feature a special performance by the Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre from Hà Nội, one of Việt Nam’s most esteemed and iconic art troupes. Their performances combine Vietnamese folklore, music, and storytelling, captivating audiences of all ages.
The festival highlights the work of young, talented contemporary artists, featuring energetic musical performances that deeply resonate with the youth and strengthen the bonds between Vietnamese and Japanese communities. The Vietnam Festival 2025 is set to offer two exciting days that connect Việt Nam and Japan, with around 130 booths anticipated to draw approximately 180,000 visitors.
