The event was not only an opportunity for a New Year gathering but also a cultural space imbued with Vietnamese national identity, contributing to the strengthening of Viet Nam–Japan friendship.
Speaking at the programme, Nguyen Ngoc Thanh Luan, Chairman of the Vietnamese Association in Toyama and Head of the Organising Committee for the programme, stated that the programme was a cultural activity of profound significance, helping to preserve and promote national identity within the overseas Vietnamese community. “For the Vietnamese community in Japan in general and in Toyama in particular, preserving the Vietnamese language, family traditions, solidarity and the spirit of striving for progress is the most practical way to contribute to the nation’s overall development journey,” he affirmed.
Vu Tien Han, Counsellor and Head of the Consular Section at the Embassy of Viet Nam in Japan, emphasising that Viet Nam and Japan have established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He expressed his hope that the Vietnamese community in Toyama would continue to grow and contribute to the diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Nakagawa Tadaaki, a member of the Toyama Prefectural Assembly, highly appreciated the co-ordination between the Vietnamese Association in Toyama and the Viet Nam Friendship Association in Toyama over the years. He noted that the event provides a venue for cultural exchange and for introducing the beauty of Viet Nam to the Japanese community.
At the programme, a Vietnamese Tet photo space, vividly decorated with peach blossoms, red parallel sentences and traditional ao dai, became a highlight attracting numerous families, particularly children. In addition, Tet game stalls featuring familiar folk activities created a joyful atmosphere, evoking memories of home. A diverse range of food stalls offering specialities from Viet Nam’s three regions helped complete the authentic Tet flavour, serving as a lively cultural bridge to international friends.
One of the programme’s standout activities was a free screening of the film “Mua Do” (Red Rain) for the Vietnamese community in Toyama. The screening attracted considerable interest from audiences of different generations, offering poignant moments that deepened participants’ understanding of and pride in the nation’s cultural and historical values. The cinema space became a place of emotional connection, where compatriots far from home found empathy and shared sentiments.
Within the framework of the programme, cultural performances prepared by members of the Vietnamese community living and working in Toyama demonstrated creativity and deep affection for their homeland.
Notably, the programme also featured martial arts performances by children, reflecting the spirit of physical training and the preservation of national traditions. A vibrant Yosakoi dance exchange performed by Japanese participants added to the colourful cultural interaction, further strengthening Viet Nam–Japan friendship.
On this occasion, authorised by the Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan, Counsellor Vu Tien Han announced and presented certificates of commendation to the Vietnamese Association in Toyama as a collective and to its Chairman, Nguyen Ngoc Thanh Luan, in recognition of their outstanding achievements in community activities.
