The annual event is jointly organized by Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Kanagawa Prefecture, and the Embassy of Vietnam in Japan. The festival aims to foster cultural exchange, promote tourism cooperation, and strengthen the friendship between the peoples of Vietnam and Japan.

Taking place from 13-14 September, the festival presents a wide range of activities highlighting the beauty of Vietnam’s culture, people, and tourism potential. Visitors can enjoy traditional water puppetry performances, folk music and dance, as well as exhibitions that introduce Vietnamese heritage and destinations. A reception hosted by the Governor of Kanagawa is also part of the program, together with tourism promotion activities that connect Vietnamese and Japanese travel agencies, hotels, and airlines, creating opportunities for business partnerships and cooperation.

Leaders of both sides joining the ceremony

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Kanagawa Governor Kuroiwa Yuji warmly welcomed the participants from both Japan and Vietnam. He emphasized that culture serves as a vital bridge bringing nations closer and deepening mutual understanding. Over the past decade, the Vietnam Tourism - Culture Promotion Festival in Kanagawa has grown into one of the most prominent cultural events of the Vietnamese community in Japan. It has become a platform that brings people together, strengthens mutual friendship, and allows Japanese audiences to experience the richness of Vietnamese cuisine and arts. The Governor also expressed his great honor in receiving the Medal for Culture, Sports and Tourism from Vietnam, affirming his commitment to further promoting cultural, sports, and tourism exchanges between the two countries.

Kanagawa Governor Kuroiwa Yuji speaking at the ceremony

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho An Phong expressed his sincere appreciation for the support from Japan, and especially from Kanagawa Prefecture, in organizing the annual festival. He stressed that Japan is always a beloved destination for the Vietnamese people, while Kanagawa is known for its beautiful landscapes, rich natural resources, and the warm hospitality of its residents. He encouraged the Vietnamese community in Japan to consider the country as their second home, to respect local laws, and to make positive contributions to the host society. He also called on the young Vietnamese generation in Japan to continue studying hard and striving to play an active role in both Japanese and Vietnamese development.

MOCST’s Deputy Minister Ho An Phong speaking at the ceremony

Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu praised the initiative and strong cooperation between Kanagawa Prefecture and Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in holding the festival annually. He noted that within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Japan for peace and prosperity in Asia and beyond, this festival helps to further deepen bilateral relations. The Ambassador expressed confidence that the festival will continue to generate practical opportunities for cooperation in trade, labor, and cultural exchange, while also strengthening the bonds of friendship. He emphasized that with the large Vietnamese community living, working, and studying in Kanagawa - the second largest foreign community in the prefecture, the festival has a particularly strong resonance as a link connecting people of both countries.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu speaking at the ceremony

This year, Japanese visitors to the festival have the chance to explore Vietnam’s diverse culture through exhibitions featuring famous Vietnamese cities, traditional craft demonstrations such as toy figurine making and conical hat weaving, and a wide selection of traditional Vietnamese food. Popular dishes such as phở (noodle soup), nem cuốn (spring rolls), bún bò Huế (Hue spicy noodle soup), bún chả (grilled pork with rice vermicelli), and Vietnamese coffee are among the highlights, offering visitors a true taste of Vietnam.

Vice Chairwoman of Vietnam National Authority of Tourism Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai at the ceremony

Through its rich and varied program, the Vietnam Tourism - Culture Promotion Festival in Kanagawa not only introduces the beauty of Vietnamese heritage to Japanese audiences, but also serves as a meaningful bridge that strengthens mutual understanding, friendship, and cooperation between the two nations.

Leaders and delegates visiting Vietnam's booths

MOCST’s Deputy Minister Ho An Phong at the Vietnam's booths

VNAT’s Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai and Kanagawa Governor Kuroiwa Yuji at the Vietnam's booths

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