Flavors, sounds, and smiles illuminate the Vietnam Festival in Osaka

With the theme “Contemporary Vietnam – Flavors, sounds, and smiles”, this year’s event aims to recreate a vibrant, modern, and energetic Vietnamese atmosphere right in the economic center of the Kansai region. This is achieved through multi-sensory experiences ranging from culinary flavors and artistic sounds to the welcoming smiles.

The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the Japanese government, including Mr. Misawa Yasushi, Ambassador in charge of the Kansai region; numerous members of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors; the Chairman and members of the Osaka Prefectural Assembly; representatives of the Osaka Prefectural Governor and the Mayor of Osaka City; the Mayor of Higashi Osaka City, the Chairman of the Sakai City Council; and leaders from several localities in the Kansai region.

From the Vietnamese side, the ceremony was presided over by Mr. Ngo Trinh Ha, Consul General of Vietnam in Osaka and Head of the Organizing Committee, along with officials from Vietnamese representative agencies in Osaka, representatives of various Vietnamese associations, and a large Vietnamese community in Japan.

Mr. Ngo Trinh Ha, Consul General of Vietnam in Osaka General of Vietnam in Osaka, affirmed that the festival is an occasion for the community to connect with their roots. It is also an opportunity for every Vietnamese person here to become a cultural ambassador, spreading the beautiful values of Vietnamese people to Japanese friends. (Photo: Consulate General of Vietnam in Osaka)

In his opening remarks, Mr. Ngo Trinh Ha, Consul General of Vietnam in Osaka, emphasized the profound significance of the festival in the context of the robust development of the Vietnam-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

“The Festival is not merely a cultural and culinary exchange event, but a vivid symbol of the friendship between the two countries, where people-to-people exchanges are the core foundation that helps the two nations understand and bond more closely,” the Consul General affirmed.

He also noted that after two successful editions, the Vietnam Festival in Osaka has become a prominent cultural and international exchange rendezvous in Osaka and the Kansai region.

For the Vietnamese community in Kansai, Consul General Ngo Trinh Ha conveyed a message of solidarity and preservation of national identity: “The Festival is an occasion for the community to connect with their roots. It is also an opportunity for every Vietnamese person here to become a cultural ambassador, spreading the beautiful values of Vietnamese people to Japanese friends.”

On this occasion, the Consul General also called on the community to continue to unite, support each other, comply with local laws, and actively contribute to the development of Japanese society.

Mr. Misawa Yasushi, Ambassador in charge of the Kansai region, recalled the long-standing historical ties between Vietnam and Japan since the 8th century and highlighted the interesting similarities in the culinary cultures of the two countries. (Photo: Consulate General of Vietnam in Osaka)

Speaking at the event, Japanese government representative, Ambassador Misawa Yasushi, expressed his admiration for the scale and influence of the festival, considering it a valuable opportunity to introduce the unique cultural features of Vietnam to the wider Osaka public.

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He also recalled the long-standing historical ties between the two nations since the 8th century and pointed out the interesting similarities in the culinary cultures of the two countries, which serve as a catalyst for easy connection and sharing between the people of both sides.

The event garnered attention from local leaders in the Kansai region. In congratulatory messages, the Governor of Osaka Prefecture and the Mayor of Osaka City emphasized the festival's role in promoting multicultural understanding amid the growing Vietnamese community in the city.

Sakai City Mayor Nagafuji Hideki sent congratulatory messages to the event, expressing hope that the festival will continue to contribute to enhancing relations between the two nations. Endo Takashi, a member of the House of Representatives, Chairman of the Japan Innovation Party’s Japan-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance, and Advisor to the Japanese Prime Minister, also sent congratulatory messages, appreciating the efforts of the Organizing Committee and expressing confidence that the festival will bring smiles that connect people.

Delegates cut the ribbon to open the Festival. (Photo: Consulate General of Vietnam in Osaka)

True to its theme, the festival offers visitors a variety of multi-sensory experiences. The traditional costume performance of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups, combined with the formation of the word “Vietnam” on stage, created a solemn atmosphere, showcasing national pride and a spirit of connecting with roots.

Notably, the vibrant art program featuring famous singers Hoang Duyen, JSOL, and Lam Bao Ngoc brought youthful and modern melodies, helping to connect the young generations of both countries and recreating a lively “Contemporary Vietnam” in the heart of Osaka.

The diverse culinary booths also introduced many distinctive flavors, from traditional dishes to new culinary trends, attracting numerous Japanese friends to explore the essence of Vietnamese cuisine.

The Vietnamese Ao Dai shines in the land of the rising Sun. (Photo: Consulate General of Vietnam in Osaka)

With a consistent theme of solidarity and spreading Vietnamese values, the third Vietnam Festival in Osaka is not only a gathering place for the overseas Vietnamese community but also an occasion to promote the image of a dynamic, stable, and culturally rich Vietnam to international friends. This further affirms the role of the Vietnamese community in contributing to the country's soft power.

On this occasion, to continue demonstrating the concern of the Party and State for the overseas Vietnamese community, the Consulate General of Vietnam in Osaka organized consular procedure consultations and collaborated with Vietnamese and Japanese doctors to conduct a free health consultation program for the community.

The festival takes place over two days, March 7-8, featuring more than 80 booths showcasing cuisine, handicrafts, and products from companies such as FPT Japan, Digital Wallet, and Vietnam Airlines, promising to attract approximately 100,000 visitors.

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