Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Nguyen Quoc Cuong said since 2015, the annual event has been held successfully, helping promote cultural, economic, trade and investment ties between Kanagawa and Vietnam.
This year’s festival is of special significance as it takes place on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Japan, the diplomat noted.
He described the visit to Vietnam by Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko in 2017, and the State visit to Japan by President Tran Dai Quang in May 2018 as milestones of the fruitful relations between the two countries.
Vietnamese and Japanese leaders expressed their wish to intensify exchange between residents of the two countries, he said, noting his belief that the festival will be a success.
Kanagawa Governor Kuroiwa Yuji said there will be various cultural and art activities within the framework of the event such as water puppetry and Ao Dai (Vietnamese traditional long dress) shows, traditional musical instrument performances and culinary events.
Besides, the festival will feature workshops on Vietnam’s investment environment, along with screenings of Vietnamese films.
According to the organisation board, the 2017 festival attracted more than 200,000 visitors and created deep impressions on residents in the prefecture and its adjacent localities.
Of note, the Kanagawa authority has decided to organise the first-ever Kanagawa Festival at Ly Thai To Park in Hanoi from November 16-18.
