There will be a series of cultural, artistic, and sporting exchanges alongside a number of talk shows, seminars, and forums, to be held during the festival, to strengthen solidarity between the young generations of both countries and spread the message "children - earth - future".

The annual cultural exchange event imbued with the national identities of both countries, affirms the "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" between Vietnam and Japan, said Le Truong Duy, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Foreign Affairs.

As both Vietnam and Japan are not only strategic partners, but also sincere friends, he said, the festival demonstrates a long journey in the close friendship between the Governments and peoples of both countries.

In addition to enhancing cultural exchanges, he said, the festival will help promote trade, investment and tourism, as well as tightening friendship and mutual understanding.

For his part, Ono Masuo, Consul General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City, acknowledged that the festival has gradually become the largest Japan - Vietnam exchange programme held in Vietnam.

With a diverse range of activities, he said, this year's event promises to continue to offer attractive and interesting experiences to a large number of visitors.

The exchange among people of the two countries also lays the foundations for promoting the mutual relationship across multiple fields, the Japanese diplomat noted.

The organisers said, to mark the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam - Japan Festival this year, the Ho Chi Minh City Festival in Japan will be also held for the first time in Tokyo.

The event is scheduled to run on November 1 - 2 at the Tokyo International Forum Convention Center.

Vietnamese culture introduced to international friends in Japan

International friends had a chance to enjoy some of the traditional cultural values of Vietnam at an event held in Tokyo by the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan on December 11.