The three-day event attracts the participation of nearly 70 Vietnamese and Japanese businesses and organisations showcasing Japan’s typical products in 90 booths. 

A wide range of cultural activities are expected to be organised to entertain visitors to the festival, including Japanese drum performances, Karaoke ASEAN 2015, a Cosplay contest, and music concerts. 

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Transport Minister Dinh La Thang, who is President of the Viet Nam-Japan Friendship Association, affirmed that the bilateral relations are developing sustainably in all fields ranging from politics, economics, and culture to education. 

The 2015 Japan Festival continues to be a manifestation for the two countries’ cultural exchange, and to offer a chance for their people to understand more about each other’s traditional culture, he added. 

The Japan Festival was organised for the first time in 2013 on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan. 

Last year’s event, themed “Cool Japan”, drew more than 100,000 visitors. 

This year’s festival is expected to welcome 120,000 visitors.