Japan Autumn Festival 2025

On October 18th and 19th, the grounds of the Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam transformed into a space that brought together the colors, flavors, and sounds of Japanese autumn.

Visitors capture moments at the 2025 Japan Autumn Festival.

In Japan, autumn is known as the "season of ~" (no Aki) - a season of food, reading, art, and sports - a time when people slow down, nurture inspiration, and reflect inward. This spirit is subtly yet intimately recreated in the heart of Hanoi: the vibrant Yosakoi dance takes place in the garden, the tranquil Haiku sounds fill the library, and the Shogi battleground on the second floor is filled with the spirit of intellectual competition; interspersed among these are food stalls offering takoyaki, hojicha latte, Japanese tea, and photo spots featuring Torii gates, ema (traditional Japanese clothing), and bamboo lanterns, creating a truly authentic Tokyo atmosphere.

The "Haiku Writing" workshop, led by Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Mai Lien and the Vietnam Haiku Club of Hanoi , takes participants from the fundamentals of the 17-syllable poetic form to practical writing on traditional Vietnamese dó paper, embellished with watercolors.

"Haiku guides people towards a love of nature and a spirit of equality without discrimination. Even snails, falling leaves, or dewdrops can become centers of inspiration" - these insights help listeners appreciate the beauty of the ordinary, of the fleeting moments in the present.

A workshop space for writing Haiku poems at the Japanese Autumn Festival.

Outside, Yosakoi Hanuyo – a young dance group from Hanoi that has participated in Harajuku Super Yosakoi three times – energized the stage with an energetic performance, combining naruko rhythmic music and expressive team movements.

Next to it is the Kendama area, guided by the Vietnam Kendama Club, where players hone their dexterity through hundreds of techniques; and on the second floor is the Shogi board game – a traditional Japanese board game that attracts intellectual enthusiasts. The display of traditional dolls (ningyo) adds an aesthetic touch: festival girls, samurai, folk characters… set against vibrant kimono backdrops, telling cultural stories through exquisite materials and details.

Experience playing Shogi.

As evening falls, the "Autumn Roundtable" invites dialogue about the perception of autumn in Japan and Hanoi: red momiji leaves, the last cicadas of the season, roasted sweet potatoes on the street, the cool autumn breeze, and the aroma of young rice. These simple yet emotionally rich narratives create a subtle bridge connecting the two cultures. As night descends, the bamboo lanterns illuminate the scene, and City Pop music from a guest DJ awakens memories and joy, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a Japanese film in the heart of the capital.

The "Aki Matsuri - Japanese Autumn Festival" is more than just a cultural event; it's a "bridge of connection" where Vietnamese people who love Japanese culture and the Japanese community in Vietnam meet in a spirit of mutual understanding and respect. As shared by the organizers, autumn energizes people in culture, sports, and cuisine ; and in this setting, Vietnamese audiences can find both similarities and interesting differences compared to autumn in Hanoi. For those who appreciate beauty and enjoy unique experiences, Aki Matsuri 2025 is an unmissable event to create a memorable autumn – where tradition and modernity intertwine, and culture becomes a connecting thread from the heart.

According to VNA

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/le-hoi-mua-thu-nhat-ban-2025-523999.html