Thousands of locals and tourists flocked to Hoi An ancient town to celebrate the 14^th annual Hoi An-Japan Cultural Festival on August 15.

An art performance at the event (Photo: VNA)

The event is the biggest rendezvous for Japanese expatriates in Hoi An City and elsewhere in the central region.  In addition, it is a chance for local residents to experience Japanese culture.

Addressing the event, Japanese Ambassador to Viet Nam Fukada Hiroshi lauded the relationship between the two countries, saying “Hoi An city is a typical symbol of the long time relationship between Viet Nam and Japan.”

The Vietnam-Japan relationship is getting stronger, he added.

The Japanese diplomat also said traditional Japanese culture including Kimono, Manga comics, Cosplay, has been welcomed by Vietnamese people.

Cultural performances, photo exhibitions, sports activities, fashion show and folk games will take place on stages at the city’s rest-stop site in Bach Dang street, the Sculpture Park, the Old Quarter and the Japanese Bridge.

Craftsmen from Sakai will introduce their products at the Sculpture Park on the festival along with Japanese calligraphy training, Origami arts and Vietnamese palm leaf folding.

During the festival, a seminar on the restoration of the Japanese Bridge will be held in the Hoai River Square.

(Source: VNA/ Da Nang Today)