The opening ceremony on March 20 was attended by head of the Central Commission for Communication and Education Vo Van Thuong, Bac Ninh Secretary Nguyen Nhan Chien, adviser to the Japanese prime minister Isao Iijima and Chairman of the Wanokai International Culture Association Sato Mitsugu.
Previously, similar events promoting Vietnamese-Japanese cultural exchange were also held in the capital of Hanoi and Ha Long city.
The festival kicked off with songs and dances performed by the Japanese idol group Momoiro Cloverz, singer Ichirou Mizuki and the drum club of Sagamihara Secondary School, in addition to the lovely melodies of quan ho folk songs performed by Vietnamese singers.
Wanokai Chairman Sato Mitsugu said the cultural exchange festival was an opportunity for the Japanese people to thank the Vietnamese people for their support to those affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster.
He also anticipated the event would contribute to strengthening the friendly and cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Japan.
In addition to cultural activities, there will be conferences held for enterprises of the two countries to explore opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment and tourism.
The Bac Ninh cherry festival will conclude on March 22.
