Thousands of visitors flocked to the northern province of Bac Ninh to take part in a cherry blossom festival that opened on March 20 as part of a cultural exchange programme with Japan.
On display at the Kinh Bac culture centre in Bac Ninh were 1,000 cherry branches and 50 cherry trees transported from Japan.
There was a concert, with audiences thrilled by Japanese songs, drum performances and Viet Nam’s Quan Ho (love duets) singing.
On the opening day, Sato Misugu, President of the Wanokai International Culture Association (WICA) of Japan, said the programme reflects Japanese people’s appreciation for Viet Nam’s support when natural disaster took its toll on the country in 2011.
He hoped events like this would contribute to fostering ties between Japan and Viet Nam.
Nguyen Tien Nhuong, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, pointed to the cultural similarity between Bac Ninh and Japan.
The festival is a great chance for local residents to learn more about Japanese culture and people, he added.