Addressing the opening ceremony, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Huynh Vinh Ai described the festival as evidence of cultural exchange between the two countries.

This year’s event manifests the thriving bilateral friendship and cooperation after 43years since Viet Nam and Japan set up diplomatic ties, the official said.

The two-day festival entertains visitors with traditional Vietnamese dishes and art performances. The country’s tourist destinations are also being introduced on this occasion.

Of note, a booth displaying documents proving Viet Nam’s sovereignty in the East Sea has attracted a large crowd of Vietnamese and Japanese visitors.

The first Viet Nam Festival was held in 2008 to mark the 35 th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.