People line up for Vietnamese food at the festival (Photo: VNA)
Tokyo (VNA) – The annual Vietnam Festival in Japan openedin Tokyo on November 7, making it the first large-scale event here since the city was included in the Japanese Government’s Go To Travel campaign.
Speaking at the festival, Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Vu HongNam said it responses to Japan’s Go To Travel and Go To Eat campaigns and showsVietnam’s support for the country’s hosting of the Tokyo Olympic Games next year.
The two campaigns are initiatives by the Japanese Government toboost consumer spending and help the economy recover from losses caused by COVID-19.
Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Eiichiro Washio saidthe event is an exchange opportunity for Vietnamese and Japanese peoples astravel has been restricted this year due to the pandemic.
He highlighted growing Vietnam – Japan relations across manypolitical and socio-economic fields, mentioning Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide’svisit to Vietnam last month in his first oversea trip since taking office.
Echoing the view, Japanese State Minister of Agriculture, Forestryand Fisheries Hideki Miyauchi considered the festival a good chance for gastronomicexchange.
He unveiled that Japan wants to export mandarin to Vietnam andimport Vietnamese dried longan and lychee.
Lasting until November 8, the festival features traditional dishesand art performances, with visitors required to wear masks and get their bodytemperatures checked at the entrance.
First held in 2008, the event aims to promote Vietnam’s image inJapan, boosting locals’ understanding of the country./.
