VietNam
During her official visit to Vietnam, on the afternoon of May 2, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae visited Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and delivered a speech. In her opening remarks, Prime Minister Takaichi expressed her wish to visit the Hội An World Cultural Heritage Site and walk along the streets once frequented by the Japanese community centuries ago. She especially mentioned the Japanese Covered Bridge, recently restored with support from Japan, as a vivid symbol of more than 400 years of vibrant maritime trade and exchange between the two nations on open seas.
Continuing that historic flow of connection, Hội An once again becomes a meeting point of friendship and cultural exchange between Vietnam and Japan through the 22nd Hội An - Japan Cultural Exchange, Đà Nẵng 2026, taking place from 22 to 24 May 2026. The event will feature a variety of special activities vividly recreating the historical, cultural and emotional ties that have connected the two countries over many centuries.
The Hội An - Japan Cultural Exchange Festival was first initiated in 1998 on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan. Since 2003, the event has been organized annually and continuously for more than two decades, becoming a hallmark cultural diplomacy event that contributes to strengthening friendship, enhancing cooperation and deepening the connection between the two nations. At the same time, the event provides an opportunity for Hội An to reaffirm its role as a heritage and creative urban area where traditional values are preserved, promoted and revitalized in the context of contemporary integration and development.
The Opening Ceremony will take place at 7:30 PM on 22 May 2026 at An Hội Sculpture Garden, gathering distinguished delegates, renowned artists, Vietnamese and Japanese art troupes, together with residents and domestic and international visitors.
A highlight of the festival is a vibrant series of cultural and artistic activities held throughout the Ancient Town. From spontaneous street art performances around the Japanese Covered Bridge area to the reenactment of “The Wedding Procession of Princess Ngọc Hoa and Merchant Araki Sotaro”, a meaningful historical symbol of the trade and cultural ties between Vietnam and Japan; from exhibitions of exquisite traditional Japanese dolls, calligraphy demonstrations and Ikebana flower arrangement art embodying the spirit of East Asian aesthetics, to traditional and contemporary cultural performances and exchanges at An Hội Sculpture Garden. In addition, the Cosplay Contest and various interactive activities will create a youthful, lively and welcoming festival atmosphere.
At 8:00 AM on 23 May 2026 at 10B Trần Hưng Đạo Street, the program marking the 10th anniversary of the Terakoya free Japanese language class for children in Hội An (2016 - 2026) will take place. This meaningful initiative tells a beautiful story of knowledge-sharing, cultural connection and friendship between Vietnam and Japan. From humble classroom beginnings, the program has nurtured a passion for the Japanese language and culture while opening opportunities for generations of students to connect and foster lasting international friendships. The 10-year celebration offers a chance to reflect on this proud journey and express gratitude to all those who have contributed along the way.
Alongside the main activities, many interactive and experiential spaces will also be available throughout the event, including: the photo exhibition on Hội An - Japan Cultural Exchanges; the Tour Program “Traces of Old Japan” at historical relics in the Ancient Town; Vietnamese - Japanese cultural experience spaces; the activity “Hizen Porcelain - Patterns that Tell Stories”; as well as booths introducing Japanese cuisine, tourism, cultural products and specialty goods. Together, these activities will create a vibrant festival atmosphere rich in interaction and cultural experiences.
With more than 400 years of trade and cultural ties, Hội An was once a bustling international trading port and the birthplace of the earliest connections between the two peoples. Today, as a Creative Heritage Urban Area of Đà Nẵng City, Hội An continues to preserve and promote these values, transforming the past into a foundation for new connections in the present and future.
Entering its 22nd edition, the event continues to affirm its role as a sustainable cultural bridge linking Hội An, Đà Nẵng and Vietnam with Japanese partners, while promoting the image of a friendly, creative and culturally rich destination that warmly welcomes friends from around the world.
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For further information, please contact:
Trung tâm Bảo tồn Di sản Văn hóa Thế giới Hội An Hội An Center for the Conservation of World Cultural Heritage
Address: 10B Trần Hưng Đạo St., Hội An Ward, Đà Nẵng City
Tel.: (+84) 2353.862.367 or (+84) 935006643 (Mr. Nguyên Vũ)
Website: www.HoiAnWorldHeritage.org.vn - www.HoiAnCreativeCity.com
