Vietnamese and Japanese officials shake hands to symbolise the strong relationship between both nations during the opening ceremony of the 11th Việt Nam-Japan Festival on March 7 at HCM City’s 23/9 Park. — VNS Photo Hồng Linh

HCM CITY — The 11th Việt Nam-Japan Festival was officially launched at HCM City’s 23/9 Park on Saturday, fostering stronger bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

Themed ‘Holding Hands Together, Children - Earth - Future’, the two-day festival features over 300 booths and activities showcasing the cuisine, tourism and products from both Vietnamese and Japanese businesses.

Traditional art performances by Japanese and Vietnamese artists at the opening ceremony of the 11th Việt Nam–Japan Festival on March 7 at HCM City’s 23/9 Park. — VNS Photo Hồng Linh

Highlights of the festival include sports activities, modern and traditional art performances from both nations, along with seminars.

In addition, the festival offers new activities to attract young people, such as the Japan pop culture event COS-MIC ASIA and the Yosakoi festival promoting traditional Japanese dances.

Võ Văn Minh, chairman of the HCM City People’s Council, said that over a decade of development, the festival had become a significant international cultural exchange event and a vivid symbol of the friendship and strong bonds between the people of Việt Nam and Japan.

Visitors at the 11th Việt Nam-Japan festival in HCM City gather to buy items related to Japanese pop-culture on March 7. — VNS Photo Hồng Linh

Shimada Tomoaki, Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, said this festival served as a testament to the long-standing friendship that Japan and Việt Nam had built 'hand in hand' across generations.

He noted that the two nations had established a close partnership in all fields, including economics, politics, society and culture. 

The Japanese Government would continue to promote friendship and cooperation with Việt Nam, based on their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World between the two countries. — VNS