The event is held to wrap up the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Year 2013 and to mark the 40th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties.
‘Ake Ome’ is the shortened form of ‘Akemashite Omedetou’, which means ‘Happy New Year’.
The festival featured booths offering Japanese specialties, such as traditional Kadomatsu decorations and carp lanterns.
Visitors, especially young people, were very fond of Japanese traditional dance shows, Yosakoi, a Cosplay performance and a fashion show.
They also had chance to paint the eyes of Daruman dolls for good fortune in the new year and to participate in typical Japanese activities to welcome the new year.
The festival, which attracted about 4,000 visitors, acted as a bridge to promote the Vietnam-Japan friendship.
