The three-day festival, which marks the 10^th anniversary of Hoi An recognised as a world cultural heritage site, includes various programmes spotlighting the culture of Japan and Vietnam.

According to Japanese Ambassador Mitsuo Sakaba, during the festival, visitors will have the chance to see the “Japanese People’s Street”, which existed in Hoi An 400 years ago.

To honour traditional cultural values, a Vietnamese cultural space was also recreated featuring 30 houses with typical designs of Dong Son (Thanh Hoa province), Gong (Central Highlands provinces) as well as My Son and Hoi An characteristics.

Apart from the Japanese tea ceremony and the Yukata costume show, there are three Japanese troupes comprising 300 artists who will, for the first time, take part in a drumming performance.

A seminar “Hoi An-10 years of being a World Cultural Heritage Site” will be held to review Vietnam’s activities and achievements in preserving the cultural values of the ancient town, which bears the imprint of Japanese culture.

At the opening ceremony, State Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan handed over a UNESCO certificate recognising Cham Islands as a World Biosphere Reserve to leaders of Quang Nam province and Hoi An town.