The Japan-Viet Nam Cultural Exchange Festival 2019 officially kicked off on Thursday at the eastern end of the Da Nang-based Rong (Dragon) Bridge, and the event will run until 28 July.

The Da Nang leaders, Japanese Ambassador to Viet Nam Umeda Kunio, representatives of Japanese business associations in the city, and the leaders of such Japanese cities as Sakai, Kisarazu, Minasaka, and Kawasaki attended the opening ceremony.

Addressing the opening ceremony, on behalf of the city leaders, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Huynh Duc Tho sent his warm welcome to representatives from the two countries attending this meaningful cultural exchange event. He remarked this annual much-awaited event has drawn a great deal of public attention and applause since its inception in 2014.

The event aims at creating the opportunity for enhancing mutual understanding between the peoples of Da Nang and Japanese localities, and strengthening their  friendship and cooperative ties .

Many interesting activities highlighting distinctive Japanese and Vietnamese culture and fine arts are being held during the 4-day event. Included will be the traditional arts of origami (folding paper to make models), cosplay costume-wearing shows, calligraphy, flower arrangement, martial arts and Japanese-styled tea ceremonies.

In addition, there are seminars on Japanese tourism promotion in Da Nang and human resource training cooperation, a Japanese speaking contest and more. Such highly practical events aim to create opportunities for youths and students in the city to seek internship courses and jobs at Japan-based businesses, hereby, step by step, entering the labour market of this Northeast Asian country.

A Japanese tea-making exchange took place amongst representatives from Da Nang and Sakai City at the Japanese-invested Gran Vrio Da Nang on 26 July.

Noticeably, within the framework of the festival, Da Nang and Kisarazu will sign a memorandum of understanding on speeding up multi-faceted cooperation.

Japanese and Vietnamese artists will also stage traditional joint-performances and demonstrations of Yosakoi, flashmob, cosplay and Ikebana flower arrangement arts over 3 nights from 26 - 28 July.

Also, friendly football matches between local youths and the Kawasaki Frontale club will take place on 27 and 28 July.