HẠ LONG – The Hokkaido Festival – jointly organised by Quảng Ninh province and Hokkaido province, Japan – has welcomed visitors to Hạ Long City, Quảng Ninh since November 16. 

The four-day festival marks five decades of bilateral relations between Việt Nam and Japan, as well as the 60th anniversary of Quảng Ninh. 

The opening ceremony of the Hokkaido Festival in Hạ Long with the participation of about 300 artists from both countries. VNA/VNS Photo Văn Đức.

Themed “Quảng Ninh-Hokkaido: Profound Cultural Integration”, the Hokkaido Festival aims to enhance mutual understanding of culture, cuisine and tourism, as well as build trust and comprehension between the citizens of the two localities.

At the festival’s opening ceremony, Cao Tường Huy, acting Chairman of the Quảng Ninh People's Committee, highlighted the festival's significance in showcasing Quảng Ninh and Hokkaido's solidarity and friendliness. 

He hoped the festival would offer opportunities for further collaboration, thereby strengthening the intensive strategic partnership between the two countries, as well as between Quảng Ninh and Hokkaido. 

Hokkaido Governor Suzuki Naomichi emphasised that Hokkaido province has multiple partnerships with Việt Nam, notably with Quảng Ninh. Agriculture, fishing, the environment, and information technology are some areas where the two provinces share similarities. 

Numerous interesting events, exhibitions and conferences took place within the organisation of the Hokkaido Festival. 

On November 17, the vibrant opening ceremony of the festival took place on a large scale at October 30 Square, assembling about 300 artists and art troupes from both countries.

It captivated the audience with Vietnamese festival drums, the typical Japanese Yosakoi dance and performances by the Takio Band.

With 100 booths, Vietnam-Japan trade, culture and culinary exhibition contributes to promoting handicrafts, tourism and fashion products from both countries. 

The exhibition features interesting cultural activities such as Origami paper folding and mask decoration. 

Street art performances at October 30 Square attract thousands of visitors. Photo courtesy of Quảng Ninh Media Group.

Street art performances attract thousands of visitors to take photos with robots, cartoon characters and manga cosplayers, as well as to enjoy Yosakoi dance and circus performances. 

The friendly golf tournament at Tuần Châu Golf Course and the opening of the Japanese Language and Culture Centre at Hạ Long University strengthen cultural and sports exchanges between the two countries. 

Besides, Quảng Ninh People’s Committee and the Hokkaido prefectural administration signed an agreement on comprehensive cooperation in all fields on this occasion. 

Three conferences on investment promotion, tourism and human resources development, and green growth agriculture also took place, promising comprehensive cooperation between the two provinces. — VNS.