Event information "The 21st hội an - japan cultural exchange 2025"

First launched in 2003 and held 20 times to date, the festival has become one of the region’s most significant annual cultural events, contributing to the strengthening of the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Japan. It also reaffirms Hội An’s role as a global Creative Heritage City in its journey toward integration and sustainable development.
This year’s event is organized under the direction of the People’s Committee of Đà Nẵng City; led by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Đà Nẵng in collaboration with the Consulate-General of Japan in Đà Nẵng; and coordinated by the Hội An Center for the Conservation of World Cultural Heritage, together with Japanese localities, organizations, individuals, and relevant agencies across the city. Notably, the 2025 edition is held in the context of Hội An having officially become part of the new Đà Nẵng City - an important milestone that promises new opportunities for cultural exchange, cooperation, and development with Japanese partners, particularly in the cultural sector.
This year’s program presents a harmonious blend of traditional values and contemporary creativity. The Opening Ceremony will take place at 19:30 on December 26 at the An Hội Sculpture Garden, with the participation of leaders, delegates, artists, artisans, art troupes, residents, and international visitors.
During the three-day festival, visitors will enjoy a rich array of activities performed by artists and artisans from both countries, including the Traditional Japanese Doll Exhibition, the Sakai Traditional Futon Daiko Parade, the Re-enactment of the Wedding Procession of Princess Ngọc Hoa and merchant Araki Sotaro - a symbolic story of 17th-century Vietnam - Japan friendship, traditional Japanese drum performances, street art exchanges, traditional art performances, Cosplay competitions, and Japanese calligraphy and tea ceremony demonstrations by artists from Sakai City.
In addition, cultural and tourism information spaces of Vietnam and Japan, located at the An Hội Sculpture Garden, the Japanese Culture Gallery, the Museum of Trade Ceramics, and various heritage sites within the Ancient Town, will offer visitors unique cultural experiences. Other ongoing activities include the Vietnam - Japan Bonsai Art Exchange, the tour program “Traces of Old Japan”, a photo exhibition on the Hội An - Japan Cultural Exchanges, the exhibition “Hizen Porcelain - Patterns that Tell Stories”, as well as numerous culinary stalls, tourism promotion booths, cultural exchange spaces, Japanese pop-culture activities, folk games, cultural workshops, and a variety of free experiential programs - creating a lively, festive, and engaging atmosphere.
With more than 400 years of historical connection, Hội An, once a bustling international trading port, served as an early meeting point between Vietnam and Japan. Today, while becoming an ancient quarter within Đà Nẵng City, Hội An continues to preserve its core values as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and a Creative City in Crafts and Folk Art. The Hội An - Japan Cultural Exchange therefore stands not only as a bridge between past and present, but also as a vivid testament to the enduring vitality of cultural heritage in the modern era, where tradition is illuminated by creativity, innovation, and international integration.
Now in its 21st edition, the event continues to embody the spirit of long-term cooperation between Hội An, Đà Nẵng, Vietnam, and Japanese partners. It also offers an opportunity for both sides to celebrate cultural values, promote tourism, strengthen people-to-people exchanges, and spread the image of a friendly, creative, and welcoming Hội An to friends around the world.
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For further information, please contact:
Hội An Center for the Conservation of World Cultural Heritage
Address: 10B Trần Hưng Đạo Street, Hội An Ward, Đà Nẵng City
Phone: (+84) 235 3 862 367 or (+84) 935 006 643 (Mr. Nguyên Vũ)
Website: www.HoiAnWorldHeritage.org.vn - www.HoiAnCreativeCity.com