On April 19, 2026, at Ikuno Park in Osaka, Japan, the 9th Vietnam Cultural Festival in Japan took place.

This is an annual cultural event of special significance, held on the Vietnam Ethnic Cultures Day (April 19) – an occasion to honor the diverse cultural identities of the 54 ethnic groups, affirming the great national unity and the cultural roots of Vietnam. It has been continuously maintained since 2018, under the patronage of the Consulate General of Vietnam in Osaka. Over the years, the festival has not only become a familiar cultural rendezvous for the Vietnamese community in the Kansai region but also one of the hallmark activities in cultural diplomacy, contributing to promoting the image of Vietnam and its people to the world.

In her opening speech, the Head of the Organizing Committee and President of the Vietnamese Association in the Kansai region emphasized that culture is the bond that unites the community, a sustainable spiritual foundation that helps Vietnamese abroad preserve their identity and stay connected to their roots. The festival is not only a gathering place for traditional cultural values but also a bridge that fosters people-to-people exchange and strengthens Vietnam-Japan friendship in the context of deep integration.

A representative of the Consulate General of Vietnam in Osaka highly appreciated the significance of the event, affirming that activities like the Vietnam Cultural Festival play an important role in consolidating the great unity of the overseas Vietnamese community, promoting the country’s image, and advancing the comprehensive cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Japan towards sustainable development.

One of the most special and touching highlights of the program was the performance of the Vietnamese national anthem, when multiple generations of Vietnamese in Japan – from the elderly, workers, and students to young children – stepped onto the stage together, joining in the sacred song. The image of hundreds of people singing the national anthem in a foreign land not only expressed national pride but also served as a profound testament to the spirit of unity, connection, and love for the homeland that always resides in every Vietnamese abroad.

Additionally, the program made a strong impression with a showcase of traditional costumes from various Vietnamese ethnic groups, recreating a vibrant and diverse cultural tapestry, helping introduce international friends to the richness and unique identity of Vietnamese culture. Particularly, the most deeply meaningful highlight of the festival was the reenactment of the Hung Kings’ Anniversary Ceremony – a sacred ritual tied to the origins of the Vietnamese nation.

In a solemn atmosphere, the ceremonial procession was well-organized, led by a lion dance and drum troupe, followed by a ceremonial team in traditional attire, along with the participation of delegates, artists, the community, and associations. The powerful sound of festival drums echoed like the heartbeat of history, evoking the era of nation-building under the Hung Kings.

The incense offering ritual was conducted with dignity, presided over by a monk, with the successive participation of delegations: the Consulate General, the Organizing Committee, representatives of Japanese local authorities, parliamentarians, artists, and associations. Each incense stick offered not only expressed sincere gratitude to the Hung Kings but also symbolized the continuation of tradition, affirming the spirit of “Remembering the source when drinking water” of the Vietnamese nation.

The reenactment of the Hung Kings’ Anniversary Ceremony in Japan carries profound significance, not just as a spiritual cultural activity but also as evidence of the enduring vitality of Vietnamese culture within the overseas Vietnamese community. No matter where they are, the national roots always remain present in the hearts of every Vietnamese person.

Various activities at the festival
The 9th Vietnam Cultural Festival in Japan with many engaging activities

Beyond artistic performances, the festival also served as a community cultural exchange space, where Vietnamese people and international friends had the opportunity to meet, share, and learn about Vietnamese culture, cuisine, and people, thereby enhancing understanding and connection between cultures.

The 9th Vietnam Cultural Festival in Japan concluded successfully, leaving deep impressions on attendees. The event’s success once again affirmed the role of culture as a “soft power” in diplomacy, while demonstrating the strength

Ikuno Park

Ikuno Park is a public park located in the Ikuno district of Osaka, Japan, known for its historical connection to the Korean community in the area. Originally developed in the early 20th century, it sits near Ikuno Station and reflects the multicultural heritage of the region, which has been a hub for Korean residents since the colonial period. Today, the park serves as a peaceful green space for locals and visitors, hosting community events and offering a glimpse into Osaka’s diverse cultural history.

Hung Kings’ Anniversary Ceremony

The Hung Kings’ Anniversary Ceremony, also known as the Hung Kings’ Temple Festival, is a major Vietnamese holiday honoring the legendary Hung Kings, the ancient founders of the nation. Held annually on the 10th day of the third lunar month at the Hung Temple in Phu Tho province, the ceremony features rituals, processions, and folk performances that date back thousands of years. It serves as a powerful expression of Vietnamese national identity and gratitude for the country’s origins.

Vietnam Ethnic Cultures Day

Vietnam Ethnic Cultures Day, celebrated annually on April 19, honors the cultural diversity of the country’s 54 officially recognized ethnic groups. Established in 2008, the event features traditional music, dance, costumes, and culinary displays at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and other venues. It aims to promote unity and preserve the unique heritage of Vietnam’s minority communities.