Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange Meeting Point

The 22nd Hoi An - Japan, Da Nang Cultural Exchange Festival 2026 will return this weekend (May 22-24) with many impressive features.

Recreating the "Procession of Princess Ngoc Hoa and Merchant Araki Sotaro" was a highlight of the Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange event. Photo: QUOC TUAN

Highlights of Vietnam-Japan relations

With over 400 years of history and close ties, Hoi An was once a bustling international trading port, the birthplace of the first connections between the Vietnamese and Japanese people.

Today, as a Creative Heritage City within Da Nang City, Hoi An continues to preserve and promote its unique values, transforming the past into a foundation for new connections between the present and the future.

The Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange Festival has become an event of friendship and cultural connection between the two countries, with many impressive activities that vividly recreate the flow of history, culture, and close ties between Vietnam and Japan over the centuries.

The opening ceremony of the 22nd Hoi An - Japan, Da Nang Cultural Exchange Festival 2026 took place on the evening of May 22nd at An Hoi Sculpture Garden (Hoi An ward), bringing together international delegates, many famous artists, art troupes from Vietnam and Japan, as well as a large number of locals and tourists.

The highlight of the event is the series of rich cultural and artistic activities, spread throughout the Old Quarter.

These include impromptu street art performances in the area around the Japanese Bridge; a reenactment of the "Procession of Princess Ngoc Hoa and Merchant Araki Sotaro," a historically significant symbol of trade and connection between Vietnam and Japan; an exhibition of exquisite traditional Japanese dolls, calligraphy demonstrations, and Ikebana flower arrangement art imbued with the spirit of East Asia; and performances of traditional and contemporary art and cultural exchanges at the An Hoi Sculpture Garden. In addition, a Cosplay competition and many diverse experiential activities promise to create a fresh and vibrant interaction.

The essence of cultural colors.

On this occasion, a ceremony was also held to summarize 10 years of the free Japanese language class for children at Terakoya in Hoi An (2016 - 2026). Ms. Truong Thi Ngoc Cam, Deputy Director of the Hoi An World Cultural Heritage Conservation Center, said that this is a beautiful story about knowledge, sharing, and connecting Vietnamese and Japanese cultures.

The event offers many opportunities to experience and explore unique cultural aspects. Photo: QUOC TUAN

From those simple lessons, the class has nurtured a passion for the language and the Japanese spirit, opening up many opportunities for generations of students to interact and spread strong international friendships.

Alongside the main activities, numerous culturally rich experiential and interactive spaces are maintained throughout. There, both sides seem to find common ground in the gentle, refined nuances of cultural layers cultivated over centuries.

The "Chua Cau Arch" exhibition space displays images and documents, offering a vivid perspective on the centuries-long cultural exchange between the two countries.

The Trade Ceramics Museum (Tran Phu Street) is hosting an event called "Hizen Ceramics - Patterns Tell Stories" to help visitors gain a deeper understanding of the exquisite beauty of Hizen ceramics and Japanese craftsmanship.

The old streets included in the "Traces of Ancient Japan" program offer a journey to discover the layers of cultural heritage still preserved within the heart of this heritage city.

Meanwhile, at An Hoi Sculpture Garden, the festive atmosphere was enlivened by art performances, cosplay, and a colorful Vietnam-Japan cultural exchange booth.

Meanwhile, the Japanese Cultural Exhibition Center (on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street) has become an attractive stop with many interactive activities, cultural experiences, and photo spots that strongly reflect the spirit of Eastern connection.

What makes this year's festival special is not only the beautiful photo opportunities, but also the story conveyed by each frame.

From the Japanese Bridge and street processions to the performing arts stages, every moment evokes the vibrant rhythm of life, the spirit of exchange, and the unique cultural cohesion of Hoi An.

Ms. Truong Thi Ngoc Cam stated that, entering its 22nd edition, the event continues to affirm its role as a sustainable cultural bridge between Hoi An and its Japanese partners. At the same time, it spreads the image of a friendly, creative, and culturally rich destination that is always open to welcoming friends from all over the world.

The Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange Festival was initiated in 1998 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan. Since 2003, the festival has been held annually and has continued for over two decades, becoming a prominent cultural diplomacy activity; contributing to fostering friendship, strengthening cooperation, and promoting deeper connections between Vietnam and Japan.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/diem-hen-giao-luu-van-hoa-hoi-an-nhat-ban-3337429.html