According to the Department of Culture - Sports and Tourism of Da Nang, from December 26 to 28, 2025, at Hoi An Ancient Town, Da Nang City, the event "21st Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange" will be held, including a series of vibrant and unique international cultural exchange activities to serve people and tourists on the occasion of Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026.
Initiated for the first time in 2003 and held 20 times, the event "21st Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange" is a typical annual activity, contributing to strengthening the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Japan; at the same time, continuing to affirm the role of Hoi An - a global creative heritage city in the journey of integration and sustainable development.
In particular, this year's event is held in the context of Hoi An Ancient Town becoming a part of the new Da Nang city, promising to open up many new opportunities for exchange, cooperation and development between the locality and Japanese partners, especially in the cultural field.
This year's "Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange" program has a harmonious combination of activities with strong traditional values and contemporary creativity. The Opening Ceremony will take place at 7:30 p.m. on December 26 at An Hoi Monument Park, with the participation of delegates, artists, artisans, art troupes, domestic and international tourists.
During the 3 days of the event, visitors will be immersed in a series of special activities performed by many artists and artisans from two countries such as: Traditional Japanese Doll Exhibition, Traditional Sakai Trileries, recreating the wedding of Cong Nuong Hoa and trader Araki Sotaro - a historical story symbolizing the friendship between Vietnam and Japan since the 17th century, traditional Japanese drum performances, along with street art exchange programs, traditional art performances, Cosplay competitions, Japanese calligraphy and tea performances by artists from Sakai city.
In addition, spaces introducing cultural information and tourism of Vietnam - Japan at An Hoi Sculpture Garden, Japanese Cultural Exhibition House, Trading Ceramics Museum and relics in the Old Quarter will bring visitors many unique experiences.
With a history of more than 400 years of trade and attachment, Hoi An used to be a bustling international trading port, the origin of the friendship between Vietnam and Japan. Today, when it has become an ancient city of Da Nang city, Hoi An still retains its core value as a World Cultural Heritage recognized by UNESCO and is also a Creative City in the field of Crafts and folk Arts.
The event "Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange" is therefore not only a bridge between the past and the present, but also a vivid testament to the persistent vitality of heritage in the new era - where traditional culture is lit up by the spirit of creativity, innovation and international integration.
