"Vietnam Days in Japan" will take place in major cities from September 11-23 to boost multi-faceted relations and mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Japan.
The presence of Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh who is scheduled to attend some major activities shows Vietnam's keen interest in strengthening the state and people-to-people diplomacy with Japan.
The opening ceremony will take place in Tokyo's Shibuya prefecture on September 12 with the participation of 1,500 guests in a special art progam. Later, diverse political, economic and cultural activities will also be held in other parts of Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, Fukuoka, and Nagoya.
Typically, a roadshow to promote Vietnam's tourism and beautiful landscapes will be held on September 13 by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Vietnam Airlines and the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan.
In addition, "Vietnam Festival 2013" will take place Tokyo's Yoyogi Park on September 14-15 to introduce Vietnamese products, culinary arts and performances. An exhibition at the 300-400 sq.m Vietnam House will focus on the growing relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. The festival is expected to welcome Japanese Prince Akishino as the guest of honour and around 180,000 visitors.
A seminar will be held on September 17 in Osaka and Kobe to discuss prospects for economic cooperation between Vietnam and Japan with the participation of 300 representatives from Vietnam's relevant ministries and businesses and Japanese businesses in Kansai.
Similar seminars will also be held in Fukuoka and Nagoya to introduce Vietnam's business environment and promote trade and investment cooperation among localities.
Especially, around 800 visitors will enjoy art performances at the Aichi Women's Centre on September 20 while the "Hello Vietnam-Aichi 2013" festival will be organised for the first time in Hisayaodori Park, Aichi prefecture, to introduce Vietnamese and Japanese culinary arts and handicrafts.