The 21st Hoi An - Japan Festival

The 21st Hoi An - Japan Festival Many unique cultural activities at the "21st Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange" event will take place from December 26-28, in Hoi An Ancient Town, Da Nang. Hoi An World Cultural Heritage Conservation Center said that the "21st Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange" event will take place with a series of rich international cultural exchange activities, serving people and tourists during Christmas 2025 and welcoming the new year 2026. Initiated in 2003, the event has gone through 20 organizational periods, becoming a typical annual activity linking Vietnam - Japan friendship. Thereby, Hoi An continues to affirm its role as a global creative heritage city, aiming for sustainable development in the integration process. This year's event is directed by the People's Committee of Da Nang City; The city's Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism presides and coordinates with the Consulate General of Japan in Da Nang to implement. Hoi An World Cultural Heritage Conservation Center and many Japanese organizations and individuals participated in supporting. Notably, the program takes place in the context of Hoi An ancient town becoming a part of Da Nang city, opening up more opportunities for cultural cooperation with Japanese partners. The opening ceremony will take place at 7:30 p.m. on December 26 at An Hoi Sculpture Garden, with the participation of delegates, artists, artisans and a large number of tourists. During 3 days, visitors can participate in many unique activities conducted by artists from both countries: Exhibition of Japanese Traditional Dolls, Sakai Traditional palanquin procession, re-enactment of the procession of Princess Ngoc Hoa - Araki Sotaro, traditional Japanese drum performance, exchange of street art, traditional art, Cosplay, calligraphy performance and Japanese tea ceremony. In addition, spaces introducing Vietnamese and Japanese culture and tourism at An Hoi Sculpture Garden, Japanese Cultural Gallery, Trade Ceramics Museum and relics in the old town will bring many new experiences. Regular programs such as Vietnam - Japan Bonsai art exchange, visiting "Japanese Ancient Marks", displaying cultural exchange photos, experiencing "Hizen Ceramics - Storytelling Patterns", along with food stalls, folk games and free gifts create a vibrant festival atmosphere.