Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Nguyen Quoc Cuong addressing the press briefing.

Speaking at a press conference for the event, which was held in Tokyo on April 23, Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Nguyen Quoc Cuong said the festival is part of activities celebrating 45 years of the two countries’ diplomatic relations.

It is an opportunity for overseas Vietnamese to remember their home country and for Japanese friends to learn more about Vietnam, the diplomat noted.

After a decade, the Vietnam Festival has become a big draw for both Vietnamese and Japanese living around Tokyo. In 2017, the number of attendees amounted to 180,000.

Also at the press conference, General Secretary of the festival’s organising board Aoyagi Youichirou highlighted the significance of the event for people-to-people exchanges between Vietnam and Japan.

He said this year it will build on the successes of past editions to contribute to boosting mutual understanding and bilateral ties.

The festival will feature 110 stalls classified into four categories of traditional cuisine, entertainment, music, and tourism. Performances of Japanese artists and Vietnamese singers and students will take place on the main stage.