On the evening of December 26, the Opening Ceremony of the 21st Hoi An – Japan Cultural Exchange Event, Da Nang 2025 took place in the Hoi An Ancient Town (Hoi An Ward). The ceremony was attended by Mr. Mori Takero, Consul General of Japan in Da Nang; Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, Vice Chairwoman of the Da Nang People’s Committee; leaders of departments, agencies, and localities; along with a large number of domestic and international residents and visitors.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Anh Thi emphasized that after more than 20 years of organization, the Hoi An – Japan Cultural Exchange has become a strong bridge connecting the two nations, contributing to enhanced mutual understanding, trust, and friendship between the peoples of Viet Nam and Japan.
According to the Vice Chairwoman, this year’s event is held in a new context, as the Hoi An Ancient Town has officially become part of Da Nang City. This marks an important milestone, opening up new opportunities for cultural and artistic exchange, tourism development, and economic cooperation between Da Nang in general, Hoi An in particular, and Japanese localities and partners in a new development phase. The event also contributes to promoting the image of Da Nang – Hoi An as a vibrant destination rich in cultural, historical, and tourism values.
Taking place from December 26 to 28, the event features a series of distinctive cultural activities presented by artisans and artists from both countries, including a traditional Japanese doll exhibition; the Sakai traditional procession; a reenactment of the procession of Princess Ngoc Hoa and merchant Araki Sotaro—a historical story symbolizing Viet Nam–Japan relations since the 17th century; traditional Japanese drum performances, street art exchanges, calligraphy and tea ceremony demonstrations, and a Cosplay competition.
In addition, cultural and tourism exhibition spaces introducing Viet Nam and Japan at An Hoi Sculpture Garden, the Japanese Culture Exhibition House, the Museum of Trade Ceramics, and heritage sites throughout the ancient town continue to offer visitors a wide range of unique experiences.
Regular activities such as Viet Nam–Japan bonsai exchanges, visits to the exhibition “Traces of Japan”, cultural exchange photo displays, hands-on experiences with “Hizen Ceramics – Patterns That Tell Stories”, along with food stalls, handicraft products, folk games, and free souvenirs, take place throughout the event, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere and strengthening community connection.
With more than 400 years of trading history, Hoi An was once a bustling international trading port and the birthplace of many Viet Nam–Japan exchanges. Today, as an ancient town under the administration of Da Nang City, Hoi An continues to preserve its UNESCO-recognized heritage values while gaining additional resources and favorable conditions for further development.
SOURCE: DA NANG CITY PORTAL
https://danang.gov.vn/vi/web/dng/w/khai-mac-su-kien-giao-luu-van-hoa-hoi-an-nhat-ban-lan-thu-21-da-nang-nam-2025
