Hundreds of thousands of Japanese citizens have been entertained by a wide array of political, economic and cultural activities organised as part of a programme celebrating the 40 th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Japan.

The “Vietnam Days in Japan ” programme, which is promoting Vietnamese culture in the framework of the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Year 2013, is the largest of its kind to be organised abroad.

The event was taking place in the major cities of Tokyo , Osaka , Kobe , Fukuoka and Nagoya from September 12-22.

Scores of impressive music performances at cultural galas and festivals delighted those in attendance and gave them a closer look into Vietnam ’s rich culture and hospitable and hard-working people.

Meanwhile, Japanese and Vietnamese firms came in droves to participate in economic workshops, exchanging information and advice and exploring potential areas of cooperation, such as hi-technology, support industries and agriculture. The companies pledged to be trustworthy and important partners of each other.

As part of the event, top Vietnamese officials from ministries and the provinces of Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Thai Binh, Dak Lak, Quang Ngai and Ben Tre met with the local authorities of Aichi, Osaka , Hyogo, Kobe and Fukuoka .

They also worked with a number of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Japan, the Economic Federation and the Japanese Friendship Society, toured the factory of the Kawasaki heavy industries corporation and explored the hi-tech city of Kobe.-VNA