HCM CITY – A series of cultural and sports activities will be featured during the fifth Japan – Việt Nam Festival, which will kick off today at the September 23 Park in HCM City’s District 1.

The two-day festival is the opening of a year-long cultural programme to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of Japan and Việt Nam diplomatic ties.

Takabe Tsutomo, co-chair of the festival’s organising board, said at the press conference yesterday that the festival promotes cultural, social and economic understanding between the peoples of Japan and Việt Nam.

Tô Huy Rứa, former head of the Party’s Central Committee’s Commission for Organisation, and president of the Việt Nam-Japan Friendship Parliamentarians Group said the festival theme Cùng Nắm Chặt Tay Nhau (Holding Hands Tightly), was chosen to the two countries’ desire to improve their friendship. 

The featured event today at 5 pm will be a music show featuring singer Masao Sen and W-inds of Japan boy band as well as Vietnamese pop stars Đông Nhi and Min.

The festival will include a Bon dance to honour the spirits of the ancestors. Visitors will receive instructions on how to join the dance and pray for peace for the two countries.

Visitors will also be encouraged to participate in a singing contest to experience the most popular karaoke technology in Japan called DAM.

Five manga characters, Doraemon, Nobita, Shizuka, Suneo and Jaien, who are very popular with Vietnamese children, will appear on stage for amusing performances.

A manga festival will include exhibitions on manga and talks between Japanese and Vietnamese publishers.

The Japan Sports Showcase will introduce sports and healthcare products, while Japanese sports experts will offer free training in football and fitness, and physical education for visitors.

At the New World Saigon Hotel in District 1 today, the Taste of Japan Reception and Study in Japan Fair will be held.

The Asia – Skating School 2018 will open free for visitors on January 27-28 at Vincom Mega Thảo Điền, offering instruction from Olympics athletes. VNS