The 11th Hoi An-Japan Cultural Festival kicked off in the ancient town of Hoi An in Quang Nam central province on August 23 with numerous cultural and sports activities.

During the three-day event to celebrate the 40 th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Japan , artists from the two countries will present a variety of handicraft products and perform folk music.

Other highlights will include demonstrations of Origami – the Japanese art of paper folding - and activities related to Japanese cuisine and calligraphy.

Street performance during the day and night are going to take place during the festival at the Japanese bridge and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street .

Home to approximately 120,000 inhabitants, Hoi An has been recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

It is known as an exceptionally well-preserved example of an old Southeast Asian trading port active in the golden time between the 15th and the 19th century.-VNA