After 7:00 p.m. on March 9, even though it was only about two hours before it ended, the atmosphere of the Vietnam - Japan Festival 2025 was still bustling with people flocking to the booths, taking advantage of the last minutes to shop and enjoy the Japanese cultural space.
Visitors play games at the booth of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) - Photo: HONG PHUC
According to preliminary statistics from the organizing committee, this year's Festival welcomed more than 430,000 visitors over two days, higher than last year's figure of about 420,000.
Too bad it only lasted two days
Having just returned to Ho Chi Minh City after a business trip, Nguyen Hung, an office worker, rushed to the festival, regretting that he had only managed to arrange the time but it ended at 9pm on March 9.
The crowd was still crowded, the lights were bright, the aroma of food was in the air. He stopped to buy Hao Hao salted potatoes, then walked around the stalls and listened to the lively tunes from the stage.
The music was playing, and the sea of people were immersing themselves in the festive atmosphere. Although it was late, Hung still had time to feel the excitement. He told himself that next year's festival season would definitely come earlier.
Hiep Hung Long booth staff advise customers - Photo: HONG PHUC
Meanwhile, the booth of Hiep Hung Long Trading Company Limited, a distributor of Paltac Vietnam Company Limited, was still crowded with customers. Male staff in kimonos were busy consulting and introducing products.
"We always want to bring quality Japanese products, helping Vietnamese customers have the best shopping experience" - the booth representative shared.
The most sought-after product at this booth is a specialized hair dye line for gray hair, which helps cover gray hair from root to tip without containing harmful chemicals.
Many customers came back to buy more even though they had bought yesterday, proving the appeal of Japanese products.
Mandom Vietnam's booth attracts many male customers - Photo: HONG PHUC
Not only stopping at cosmetic stalls, Japanese - Vietnamese food stalls are equally bustling.
The booth of Mandom Vietnam Co., Ltd. attracts many men, especially Japanese customers living in Ho Chi Minh City.
They take advantage of buying familiar skin and hair care products that they often use back home at a more favorable price than at retail stores.
Japanese product booth area - Photo: HONG PHUC
The booth of the most consumed instant noodle brand in Vietnam - Acecook became a special highlight when it was always crowded with customers coming to participate in games to receive gifts.
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of sales in Vietnam, this brand has brought unique culinary experiences such as hot pot noodles with scallop toppings, lobster balls... attracting hundreds of customers to enjoy.
Chocorooms booth, Meiji's famous chocolate cookie brand, is still crowded with visitors - Photo: HONG PHUC
Vibrant and future-oriented
Sharing with Tuoi Tre Online , Mr. Takebe Tsutomu, special advisor to the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians' Union and honorary chairman of the Japanese Festival Executive Committee, said that the festival is not only a cultural event but also an important bridge to promote cooperation between the two countries in many fields.
Many artists, organizations and private units that have participated in the festival many times have expressed their desire to continue participating in the coming years.
Mr. Takebe Tsutomu, special advisor to the Japan - Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Alliance - Photo: HONG PHUC
Originating from a "small seed" of desire to connect the people of the two countries, the festival has maintained its continuous persistence even when there are challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Up to now, the festival has increasingly created widespread power and received support and attention from the governments of the two countries on the path of continuing to develop people-to-people exchange.
"The two sides hold hands tightly, connecting through cultural exchanges, educational development, and trade and investment cooperation. The 'small seeds' from the festival will continue to grow, bringing sustainable cooperation opportunities between the two countries in the future," said Mr. Takebe Tsutomu.
The Vietnamese - Japanese art performance attracted a large audience - Photo: HONG PHUC
This year's festival closed with a spectacular art performance featuring many artists from both countries.
The audience was treated to exciting performances from Rinoka, the youngest female DJ to ever set a Guinness World Record, Japanese Olympic athlete Ayumi, who won a gold medal at the WDSF World Breaking Championship, and the band Psychic Fever from Exile Tribe.
The performance not only brought explosive moments through music, a bond that has no borders, overcomes all language barriers and is also a testament to the cultural exchange between the two countries.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/dem-cuoi-le-hoi-viet-nhat-dong-nguoi-tap-nap-den-phut-cuoi-20250309230650243.htm
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