The opening ceremony was attended by Hoang Minh Cuong, Vice Chairman of Hai Phong People’s Committee;  Hiromatsu Mitsutaka, Third Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam; representatives from Kitakyushu City, Japan; leaders of Hai Phong’s departments and agencies; and a large community of businesses and residents from both countries.

During the ceremony, a special cherry blossom planting ritual took place, with 100 trees gifted by Tashiro Zouen Co., Ltd. (Japan). These trees, along with the Kyosei-no-niwa Japanese Garden—the largest Japanese garden within a Vietnamese industrial park—serve as a living symbol of the Kyosei spirit of coexistence and mutual development between the two nations.

Over two days, the festival offers a vibrant Japanese cultural experience:

Hanami: Admire the stunning cherry blossoms unique to Nam Cau Kien.

Arts Performances: Traditional tea ceremonies, Yosakoi dance, Taiko drumming, calligraphy, and live painting.

Youth Culture: “Cool Japan” area featuring Manga, Anime, Cosplay, and famous Japanese artists.

Culinary Fusion: Sample the finest Vietnamese and Japanese cuisine at the street food village.

Promoting Green Industrial Cooperation

The festival also showcases the Nam Cau Kien Ecological Industrial Park, a model for circular economy and sustainable development. According to Pham Hong Diep, Chairman of SHINEC JSC, Japan is a major investor in Hai Phong, contributing over $6.6 billion USD in FDI. The event aims to attract additional Japanese investment in green industrial ecosystems to support the city’s sustainable development goals.

The Viet Nam–Japan Cultural Exchange Festival Hai Phong – Nam Cau Kien 2026 is not only a cultural celebration but is becoming a symbol of international exchange, fostering national pride and reinforcing the enduring friendship between Viet Nam and Japan.