Addressing the opening ceremony, Nguyen Van Duoc, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, noted that the 2025 festival themed “Hold hands together - From now on” holds special significance as it marks a decade of impressive cultural exchange between the two countries.

The festival takes place in the second year of the Vietnam-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, opening up new opportunities in investment cooperation and cultural exchange between the two countries.

“This year’s theme reflects the commitment of both countries to fostering their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. It also conveys a message of friendship, solidarity, and shared development towards a sustainable future,” said the official.

According to him, one of the most concrete examples of Vietnam-Japan cooperation is the completion of Ho Chi Minh City’s Metro Line 1, which marks a major milestone in urban infrastructure development.

He expressed hope that cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City and Japanese localities would continue to thrive, especially in urban transportation investment, as the city aims to develop 355 km of metro rail over the next 10 years.

Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Miyaji Takuma announced that he would attend the inauguration of Metro Line 1 the following day, highlighting the project’s role as a symbol of Vietnam-Japan cooperation. He expressed confidence that the metro line would reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, enhance living standards, and contribute to economic growth in Ho Chi Minh City.

Takebe Tsutomu, Honorary Chairman of the Vietnam-Japan Festival Executive Committee, highlighted that the 2025 festival represents one of the largest Vietnam - Japan exchange events in the country, boasting more stalls than previous years.

There are around 155 businesses selling traditional Japanese and Vietnamese snacks, merchandises, and other products.

He also revealed that the festival also features a wide range of activities which promote the rich culture of both countries, including musical shows, martial art performances, a Vietnam - Japan friendship áo dài show, a mikoshi palanquin parade, a dragon dance, and others.

The event is scheduled to last until March 9.

To mark the 10th edition of the Vietnam-Japan Festival in Ho Chi Minh City, according to the organising board, a Ho Chi Minh City Festival in Japan is scheduled to take place in Tokyo on November 1 - 2.

Vietnam-Japan Festival underway in Da Nang

The Vietnam-Japan Festival in the central beach city of Da Nang opened on July 4 evening.