The 22nd Hoi An – Japan Cultural Exchange, Da Nang 2026 will take place from May 22–24, 2026, featuring a vibrant series of activities that vividly recreate the historical, cultural, and emotional ties between Vietnam and Japan nurtured over centuries.
During her official visit to Vietnam, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited Vietnam National University, Hanoi on the afternoon of May 2 and delivered a keynote speech. Opening her remarks, Prime Minister Takaichi expressed her wish to visit the World Cultural Heritage site of Hoi An, to walk along the very streets once traversed by the Japanese community there. It is also home to the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, recently restored through the cooperation of Japan — a meaningful testament to more than 400 years of vibrant maritime trade and exchange between the two nations across open seas.
Continuing this enduring legacy, Hoi An once again becomes a meeting point of friendship and cultural connection between Vietnam and Japan as it hosts the 22nd Hoi An – Japan Cultural Exchange, Da Nang 2026 from May 22–24, 2026. Through a wide range of special activities, the event will bring to life the shared history, cultural values, and longstanding bond between the two countries.
The Hoi An – Japan Cultural Exchange was first initiated in 1998 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Vietnam–Japan diplomatic relations. Since 2003, the event has been held annually and continuously for more than two decades, becoming one of the most prominent international cultural exchange events in Vietnam. Over the years, it has contributed significantly to strengthening friendship, enhancing cooperation, and deepening cultural connections between the two nations. At the same time, the event continues to affirm Hoi An’s identity as a heritage and creative city — a place where traditional values are preserved, celebrated, and revitalized within the flow of contemporary integration and development.
The Opening Ceremony will take place at 7:30 PM on May 22, 2026 at An Hoi Sculpture Garden, gathering distinguished delegates, renowned artists, art troupes from Vietnam and Japan, along with large numbers of local residents and domestic and international visitors.
One of the highlights of the event is a vibrant lineup of cultural and artistic activities unfolding throughout the Ancient Town. From spontaneous street art performances around the Japanese Covered Bridge area to the reenactment of “The Wedding Procession of Princess Ngoc Hoa and merchant Araki Sotaro” — a symbolic historical story reflecting the deep trade and cultural ties between Vietnam and Japan; from exhibitions of exquisite traditional Japanese dolls, calligraphy demonstrations, and Ikebana floral art imbued with Eastern aesthetics, to traditional and contemporary cultural performances at An Hoi Sculpture Garden. In addition, the Cosplay Competition and a wide variety of interactive experiences will contribute to a youthful, dynamic, and lively festival atmosphere.
At 8:00 AM at No.10B Tran Hung Dao Street, the event “10-Year Anniversary of the Free Japanese Language Class for Children – Terakoya in Hoi An (2016–2026)” will take place. The program tells a meaningful story of education, sharing, and Vietnam–Japan cultural connection. From humble classroom beginnings, the initiative has nurtured language passion and Japanese cultural spirit while opening opportunities for generations of students to connect and foster lasting international friendships. The anniversary event is an opportunity to reflect on this inspiring journey and express gratitude to all who have contributed along the way.
Alongside the main programs, a variety of interactive cultural spaces and experiences will continue throughout the festival, including: photo exhibitions on the Hoi An – Japan Cultural Exchange; the heritage tour program “Traces of Japan” at historical sites in the Ancient Town; Vietnam–Japan cultural experience spaces; the thematic activity “Hizen Ceramics – Patterns that Tell Stories”; as well as booths introducing Japanese cuisine, tourism, cultural products, and specialty goods. Together, these activities will create a lively, immersive, and highly engaging festival atmosphere.
With more than 400 years of trade and cultural connection, Hoi An was once a thriving international trading port and the birthplace of some of the earliest ties between the Vietnamese and Japanese people. Today, as a Creative Heritage City within Da Nang City, Hoi An continues to preserve and promote these enduring values, transforming history into a foundation for new connections in the present and future.
Entering its 22nd edition, the event continues to affirm its role as a sustainable cultural bridge connecting Hoi An, Da Nang, and Vietnam with Japanese partners, while further promoting the image of a friendly, creative, and culturally rich destination that warmly welcomes friends from all over the world.
DA NANG TOURISM PROMOTION CENTER
