Japanese cherry blossom festival brings global wonders to Hanoi
Stunning sakuras will be the highlight of the 2019 Japan Cherry Blossom Festival, which will come to Ly Thai To Park beside Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart of Hanoi from March 29-31.
At the 2018 Japan Cherry Blossom Festival (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Stunning sakuras will be the highlight of the 2019Japan Cherry Blossom Festival, which will come to Ly Thai To Park beside HoanKiem Lake in the heart of Hanoi from March 29-31.
Some 20,000 branches of Japanese cherry blossoms will be displayed at thefestival, while 100 trees will be taken to Hanoi for plantation during theevent, heard a press conference held on February 20.
Many of Vietnam’s eye-catching flowers – such as moth orchids, cybidiumorchids, lilies, and poinsettias – will also be exhibited at the festival, which is jointly held by the Hanoi People’s Committee andthe Japanese Embassy in Vietnam.
Accordingto Director of Hanoi city’s Department of Culture and Sports To Van Dong, thecapital city expects to develop the event into an attractive cultural andtourism product to serve local residents and visitors. Thus, the organisingboard has focused on diversifying the framework of activities and creating an impressivedisplay area.
Visitors will enjoy Yosakoi (a unique style of street dance performed by largeteams), Japanese cuisine, Shogi (Japanese chess), and Kendama (literally “swordand ball”, a traditional cup-and-ball toy).
Vietnamese arts will also be part of thefestival including ca tru (ceremonialsinging) and hat xam (buskingmusic often performed by blind artists).
At this year’s event, a goodwill ambassador willbe selected for the first time to encourage cultural exchange between the twocountries.
The Vietnamese cherry blossom goodwill ambassador must have apassion for enhancing the Vietnam-Japan friendship, as well as knowledge of andinterest in Japan and N4-level Japanese speaking ability.
Unmarried Vietnamese women who are above 18years old and live in Hanoi are eligible to apply for the selection, which willlast from January till March 2019.
The winner will be introduced to the public atthe opening ceremony of the festival, scheduled to take place on March 29evening. –VNA
Vietnam and Japan are this year celebrating 45 years of their diplomatic ties, but bilateral relations date back to the 8th century. The over-1,000-year connections are now in their prime, with two countries in an Extensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia.
Lying in Asia, Vietnam and Japan share similarities that bring them close together in terms of culture, style, and sentiment. These days, they have become even more integrated via bilateral cultural exchanges.
A goodwill ambassador will be selected for the first time during the Japan cherry blossom festival –Hanoi 2019 slated for March 29-31 in the capital city.
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.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
At the 2018 Japan Cherry Blossom Festival (Photo: VNA) 
