Hanoi (VNA)ඣ – The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on April 24 launched Visit Vietnam Year 2025 – Hue, themed “Hue – Ancient Capital, New Opportunity”, at the Vietnam Pavilion within EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.

This event marks the beginning of a series of activities hosted by the Vietnam Pavilion, leading up to the 50th anniversary of national reunification (April 30, 1975 – 2025) and the 135th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh (May 19, 1890 – 2025). To support the promotion of Visit Vietnam Year 2025 and highlight the heritage of Hue, the Vietnam Pavilion is working closely with local authorities to screen promotional videos featuring the former imperial capital’s economy, culture, tourism, and people. These videos are shown on screens inside and outside the pavilion. Additional highlights include exhibitions of the traditional Ao dai ngu than (five-flap long dress), daily performances of Hue’s royal court music, and open-air cultural showcases. According to Tran Nhat Hoang, Deputy Director General of the Department of International Cooperation under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the daily uniforms worn by staff at the Vietnam Pavilion are inspired by the traditional Ao dai ngu than, which originated in Phu Xuan – present-day Hue. Adding a special touch to the event, guests were treated to a fashion show featuring this iconic attire, modeled by the pavilion’s own staff alongside representatives from other participating countries at EXPO 2025, including the US and Switzerland. The traditional garments were elegantly paired with handmade jewelry featuring artistic reinterpretations of Vietnamese icons such as bamboo and rice grains, creating a visually striking and culturally rich presentation. During the event, Hoang also introduced a specially produced video, which will be broadcast on the pavilion’s large exterior screen during major Vietnamese holidays, including Reunification Day (April 30), National Day (September 2), and the birthday of President Ho Chi Minh. Bringing together vivid imagery inspired by the illustrative style of Vietnamese artist Ta Huy Long, the video spotlights key historical sites and events, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, and is expected to serve as a central visual feature in promoting Vietnam’s milestone year 2025 to global audiences. From May 23-25, the pavilion, in collaboration with the Presidential Palace Historical Site in Hanoi, will also host a photo and document exhibition titled “President Ho Chi Minh – Symbol of the Era”. Spanning 300 sqm, the Vietnam Pavilion at EXPO 2025 is envisioned as a cultural nexus where stories of national pride are shared with the world. Through modern exhibition techniques and a strong focus on human-centred development, the pavilion conveys a message of a society rooted in cultural values, striving for sustainable progress, inclusivity, and equity, with no one left behind. One of the pavilion’s key themes is the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan. A dedicated exhibition space highlights landmark moments and key visuals from 52 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Vietnam–Japan cultural connections are also woven throughout other exhibits. Visitors can see imagery of Vietnamese women in white Ao dai holding lotus flowers, set against a circular backdrop reminiscent of Japan’s rising sun. Other displays include Bat Trang ceramic handbags styled with Japanese Ikebana flower arrangements and a painting of the iconic Japanese Bridge in Hoi An, Vietnam’s central Quang Nam province, a symbol bridging past and present. There is also scenes of Honda motorbikes cruising through Vietnamese streets, reflecting the integration of Japanese products into everyday Vietnamese life within the exhibition./.