Vietnam - Japan Festival 2026 opens in Da Nang
DNO - The 11th edition of the Vietnam - Japan Festival 2026 officially opened at Da Nang’s East Sea Park on Thursday evening.
Attending the opening ceremony were Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki, Consul General of Japan in Da Nang Mori Takero, representatives of foreign consulates in Da Nang, and Japanese and Vietnamese investors.
Representing the city were Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Committee Nguyen Manh Hung, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee Ngo Xuan Thang, and Vice Chairwoman of the People's Committee Nguyen Thi Anh Thi.
In her opening remarks, Vice Chairwoman Thi said that after many editions, the Vietnam - Japan Festival has become one of Da Nang’s prominent foreign affairs events. It has significantly contributed to strengthening the city’s growing partnership with Japanese localities and partners.
She added that, more than just an opportunity to celebrate the traditional and contemporary cultural values of Vietnam and Japan, the festival also served as an important bridge for local governments, businesses, organizations, and people of both countries to deepen mutual understanding, expand cooperation, and pursue sustainable development.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki expressed his delight that this year’s festival will last four days - the longest in its history.
According to the Japanese ambassador, Da Nang is making strong progress toward becoming a modern, smart and highly livable city, with ambitions to be a globally connected city and a pilot model for a new growth strategy driven by science and technology.
He affirmed that Japan would mobilize both its public and private sectors to accompany and cooperate with Da Nang in achieving the vision.
Taking place from July 9 - 12, the Vietnam - Japan Festival 2026 in Da Nang features a wide range of cultural, sports and artistic activities.
Among the highlights are Bon Odori dance performances, Vietnamese bamboo dance exchanges, the final round of a cosplay competition, a Vietnam - Japan friendly football match, and demonstrations of traditional Vietnamese and Japanese martial arts.
Notably, the festival includes the participation of many famous Vietnamese and Japanese artists such as Isaac, Thai Ngan, and Kolme and Anirocks groups, promising lively and entertaining performances.
In addition, nearly 100 booths showcase the culture, cuisine, tourism, products, and services of Vietnam and Japan.
There are an exhibition highlighting cooperation achievements between Da Nang and Japanese partners, and a children's art exhibition featuring works from Japanese localities that maintain cooperative ties with Da Nang.