Hai Phong hosts Vietnam-Japan cultural exchange festival
Northern Hai Phong city kicked off a Vietnam-Japan cultural exchange festival together with a cherry blossom exhibition on March 12 to introduce the locals to the beauty of Japan.
Visitors at the cherry blossom exhibition in Hai Phong city on March 12. (Photo: VNA)
Hai Phong (VNA) – NorthernHai Phong city kicked off a Vietnam-Japan cultural exchange festival togetherwith a cherry blossom exhibition on March 12 to introduce the locals to thebeauty of Japan.
In his opening remarks, Chairmanof the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Van Tung affirmed the strong tiesbetween Hai Phong city and Japan, which is reflected by 130 Japan-investedprojects in the city, worth 40 billion USD and representing more than 30percent of the locality’s total FDI.
Japan has also been a majorprovider of official development assistance (ODA) for Hai Phong’s key projectsand has supported the city in developing waste treatment plants as well astransportation infrastructure, he said.
The city has establishedrelations with six cities and prefectures in Japan and integrated Japanese inits high school curriculums, the chairman noted, adding that Hai Phong has hada TV channel in Japanese.
Takahashi Anyumu from the JapanNational Tourism Organisation said as Vietnam is among Japan’s key visitormarket, Japan has set up a tourism representative office in Vietnam, the 16th of its kind abroad, to promote the image of the country to Vietnam as well asHai Phong.
The cherry blossom exhibitiontakes place at the city’s central square until March 14 with about 100 cherrytrees gifted by the government of Japan on display.
The government of Japan tookthis opportunity to present Hai Phong a fire truck.-VNA
More Japanese investment in agriculture will create a new driving force for the sector’s growth in the future, held experts at the Vietnam-Japan forum on agriculture trade and cooperation in Ho Chi Minh City on March 10.
The cherry – Yen Tu yellow apricot blossom festival, themed “Cooperation and Development”, was opened in Ha Long city, the northern province of Quang Ninh on March 11.
A forum was held in Hai Phong on March 12 to promote investment and tourism partnerships with Japan, one of the biggest investors in the northern port city.
This year’s tournament has gathered over 300 coaches, athletes, and referees from 18 countries and territories, competing in 28 combat weight categories and eight performance categories. Vietnam’s team has 50 athletes, including six from Thai Nguyen province.
It is the first time that the country is to hold a G1-level tournament which is expected to lure more than 100 athletes of 15 countries and regions at Go Vap Gymnasium.
Nguyen Trong Nha Uyen has made history for Vietnam’s dancesport by clinching a bronze medal in the solo Latin category at the WDSF World Championship 2025 in Germany.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
Visitors at the cherry blossom exhibition in Hai Phong city on March 12. (Photo: VNA) 
