The contest, titled Colours of Vietnam and Japan, was jointly organised by the Vietnam Young Entrepreneurs Travel Club and SaigonTimes Travel Company. Launched on March 12, 2026, it attracted thousands of participants nationwide.

After more than a month of competition, 10 teams advanced to the final round. The top prize was awarded to Team Mochi Mochi from the Hanoi University of Industry.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai, deputy director of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, stated that the competition contributed to enhancing understanding of the distinctive cultural values ​​of Vietnam and Japan, while promoting people-to-people exchanges among young people.

“Through this competition, students not only gain knowledge but also absorb cultural values from both nations. I hope they will become global ambassadors who tell Vietnam’s story with authenticity and emotion,” she said.

Nguyen The Minh, general director of SaigonTimes Travel and head of the organising committee, highlighted that the contest served not only as a creative playground but also as a meaningful cultural exchange platform.

He noted that the initiative aims to inspire young people to actively explore, preserve, and promote traditional cultural values that are seen as essential foundations for sustainable tourism development and for deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Japan is one of Vietnam's key tourist markets. In recent years, it has consistently ranked among the top 10 largest source markets for Vietnamese tourism.

Statistics show in 2025 Vietnam welcomed approximately 810,000 Japanese tourists, while around 680,000 Vietnamese travelers visited Japan, reflecting strong two-way tourism growth.

Vietnam Yosakoi Festival opens, highlighting Vietnam–Japan cultural ties

VOV.VN - The fourth Vietnam Yosakoi Festival opened at the Tam Chuc Tourist Area in Ninh Binh province on April 25, featuring dance troupes from Vietnam and Japan.