A Japanese cultural festival to celebrate the New Year “Ake Ome! 2014” took place at the Giang Vo Exhibition Centre in Hanoi on December 29 .
The event is a highlight to wrap up the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Year 2013 to mark the 40th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties.
“Ake Ome” is the shortened form of “Akemashite Omedetou”, which means “Happy New Year.”
The festival featured booths offering Japanese specialties, such as traditional Kadomatsu decorations and carp lanterns.
Visitors, especially young people, were very fond of Japanese traditional dance, Yosakoi, Cosplay performance and fashion show.
They also had chance to paint Daruman dolls’ eyes for good fortune in the New Year and participate in typical activities to welcome the New Year in Japan.
The festival, which attracted about 4,000 visitors, acted as a bridge to promote the Vietnam-Japan friendship.