It was a weekend morning when anime fan Minh Trang traveled to Ho Chi Chi Minh City from neighboring Binh Duong Province to attend the seventh Japan Vietnam Festival.

“I learned about the festival from a friend,” Trang told Tuoi Tre News.

“I love Japanese culture so I decided to come here.”

The young woman was so devoted that she cosplayed as Barbara, a character from Japanese action role-playing game Genshin Impact, to the event.

Trang was accompanied by her friend, Khang, who freestyled his anime-inspired outfit.

The duo has drawn the attention of the event goers, with several jumping to ask for photos with them.

Besides Trang and Khang, a number of cosplay fans also showed up with their favorite characters’ outfits at the fest jointly held by Japan and the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee.

The festival taking place at 23/9 Park in District 1 on April 17 and 18 gathered around 100 booths, aming to introduce the two countries’ tourism, local specialties, cuisine, culture, education, and technology.

Grilled foods are seen at the Japan Vietnam Festival in Ho Chi Minh City on April 17, 2021. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News

One of the crowded booths was the baseball area where visitors could try playing the sport which is popular in Japan with the instruction from Japanese coaches, as well as buying baseball-inspired souvenirs.

A woman tries playing baseball while others stand around to watch at the Japan Vietnam Festival in Ho Chi Minh City on April 17, 2021. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News

Another highlight of the event was the main stage which showcased performances of Vietnamese and Japanese artists, from traditional folk music to modern pop songs.

The seventh Japan Vietnam Festival in Ho Chi MinH City had been postponed for several times before being able to take place in April due to COVID-19.

Speaking through a livestreamed video, Takebe Tsutomu, representative for the festival’s organizing board from the Japanese side, expressed his gratitude to see the event happen thanks to the constant effort of the Vietnamese and Japanese governments as well as relevant agencies.

He also expressed his hope that the fest would create a better future for the two countries of Vietnam and Japan.

Meanwhile, Vo Van Hoan, vice-chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, took the stage to affirm the strong bond between Japan and Vietnam in general and Ho Chi Minh City in particular, referring to Japan as “one of the close and sustainable partners” of the southern metropolis.

“People in Vietnam in general and Ho Chi Minh City in particular have always cherished Japan,” he stated.

“Following the success of previous festivals, this year’s event will continue to promote Japanese cultural specialties so that Vietnamese and foreigners living in Ho Chi Minh City could experience them as if they were in Japan."

The first Japan Vietnam festival was organized in Ho Chi Minh City in 2013.

Staff pose for a photo at a booth selling Hello Kitty products at the Japan Vietnam Festival in Ho Chi Minh City on April 17, 2021. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News

A young woman dons Japanese yukata and poses for a photo at the Japan Vietnam Festival in Ho Chi Minh City on April 17, 2021. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News

People line up to do a survey by the Japan National Tourism Organization and exchange gifts at the Japan Vietnam Festival in Ho Chi Minh City on April 17, 2021. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News

A paper flower displays a wish for ‘everyone to feel peace, happiness, and joy, as well as for the COVID-19 epidemic to be over’ hung on a wishing tree in front of a booth at the Japan Vietnam Festival in Ho Chi Minh City on April 17, 2021. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News

Paper craft products are displayed at a booth at the Japan Vietnam Festival in Ho Chi Minh City on April 17, 2021. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News

Japan's famous snack ‘takoyaki,' or octopus balls, are shown at the Japan Vietnam Festival in Ho Chi Minh City on April 17, 2021. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News

Booths showcase foods and other types of product at the Japan Vietnam Festival in Ho Chi Minh City on April 17, 2021. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News

Vietnamese ao dai (traditional long gowns) are displayed at the Japan Vietnam Festival in Ho Chi Minh City on April 17, 2021. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News

Festival goers visit a booth selling products made from lotus at the Japan Vietnam Festival in Ho Chi Minh City on April 17, 2021. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News

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Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News