HÀ NỘI – Hundreds of cherry blossom branches will be brought in from Japan to adorn the 10th Japan Sakura Festival, which is scheduled in Hà Nội on April 16 & 17.

At a press conference held in the capital city, festival management director Suzuki Mari said that Japan has over 200 varieties of cherry tree, more than any other country.

“However, we decided to bring yaezakura – a multi-layered type of sakura. It starts to bloom in mid- to late April, yaezakura has petals that range from light to dark pink. This type of sakura is also known as a symbol of strength because of the double layer of petals,” she said.

The highly energetic yosakoi dance, combining traditional Japanese dance movements with modern music will be performed at the event. The agenda also features demonstrations of the Japanese tea ceremony, performances on the Japanese festival drum, nihonbuyo – an art form made for entertainment on stage, and J-pop music concerts by the Japanese group Parallel Dream.

Twenty five of the 60 booths set up in the spacious grounds of Thăng Long Royal Citadel, where the event will be held, will be dedicated to Japanese cuisine. In particular, visitors will have chance to taste Japan’s premium Wagyu beef, famous for its soft texture and healthier fat-marbled meat.

As the number of festival-goers last year was greater than expected (more than 150,000), the organisers expect to greet a similar number of visitors this year.

The Japan Sakura Festival, organised by the Việt Nam-Japan Culture Association, will open to public at Thăng Long Royal Citadel, 18 Hoàng Diệu Street, from 9am until 10pm. – VNS