The annual Vietnam Festival was held at Yoyogi Park in Tokyo, attracting 200,000 visitors. Around 120 booths offered a wide range of experiences, from authentic Vietnamese cuisine to cultural performances, allowing visitors to enjoy a taste of Vietnam in the heart of Japan.
Photo: Singer NGÔ LAN HƯƠNG energizing the crowd on stage
A Place Where People Connect
One of the greatest attractions of the festival is not only the delicious food and exciting entertainment, but also the opportunity to learn about Vietnam, meet new people, and feel closer to the country and its culture.
“We want visitors to experience today’s Vietnam in its entirety—from authentic Vietnamese cuisine and traditional culture such as water puppet shows to the latest music and entertainment. Another unique attraction of this festival is that people from diverse backgrounds can naturally connect with one another while staying in Japan.
We value this event not only as a place to eat, watch, and enjoy, but also as a place where people connect. We hope visitors will feel the distance between Japan and Vietnam become much smaller and discover opportunities for international exchange in everyday life.”
The organizers shared their passion for creating such a welcoming environment.
Photo: Vietnamese food booths
The Essential Role of Volunteers
Large-scale festivals like this rely heavily on volunteers to ensure visitors can enjoy the event comfortably and safely.
Approximately 200 volunteers participated in Vietnam Festival 2026, ranging from students to working professionals. The organizers explained that volunteer activities naturally create opportunities for interaction across generations and nationalities.
“One of the greatest values of this festival is that new friendships and communities are formed through volunteer activities. By working together during preparation meetings and event operations, people develop meaningful connections.”
The organizers also emphasized the importance of volunteers in making the festival a success.
Photo: Non Lá photo spot
Smiles Everywhere
Visitors enjoyed delicious Vietnamese dishes such as Bánh Mì and Vietnamese-style fried noodles, admired traditional Non Lá hats and water puppet performances, and attended live stages by popular Vietnamese artists ERIK and NGÔ LAN HƯƠNG.
Wherever you looked, people were smiling.
Photo: Visitors wearing Non Lá hats
The festival’s promotional team was especially memorable with their friendly personalities, bright smiles, and elegant costumes. They provided traditional Non Lá hats, allowing visitors to enjoy the Vietnamese atmosphere even more.
Photo: Members of the Festival Promotion Team
Members of VYSA (Vietnamese Youth and Student Association in Japan) introduced books from both Japan and Vietnam while conducting charity activities to support children with heart disease. Their warm smiles left a strong impression.
Photo: Members of VYSA
Mr. Tawa, President of Bánh Mì Bà Ba, and employee Ms. Nguyen welcomed visitors with smiles that felt almost like those of a parent and child. Ms. Nguyen studied Japanese at a language school in Japan, graduated from a vocational college, and is now working as a full-time employee.
Her cheerful smile was truly charming.
Photo: Mr. Tawa and Ms. Nguyen of Bánh Mì Bà Ba
Building More Connections
The festival is supported by a diverse network of people—students, professionals, volunteers, and organizers—each bringing their own background and experiences. Together, they create a vibrant community centered around cultural exchange.
Ms. Ly from the Vietnam Festival Executive Committee Secretariat shared that she started working for an IT company this spring. She first became involved with the festival as an international student and continues to support it today as a working professional. Her energetic smile reflected the spirit of the festival itself.
Vietnam Festival events continue throughout the year. Following the Vietnam Festival held in Osaka in March, the Vietnam Food Festival is scheduled to take place in Shiba Park this October. The organizers are also planning a live concert featuring a legendary Vietnamese band.
Opportunities to experience Vietnamese culture in Japan are continuing to grow.
Why not visit a festival yourself and experience the connections that make these events so special?
Photo: Ms. Ly of the Vietnam Festival Executive Committee Secretariat and the author
By Hajime Saito
X: @hajimesaitoYJC