(VOVworld) – A cherry blossom (Sakura) festival will open in Ha Long city next Thursday to mark the 40^th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties and celebrate the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Year. This is the first time such an event has been held to intensify cultural exchange and tighten the friendship between Vietnam, particularly Quang Ninh province, and Japan.

Local leaders meet to prepare for the upcoming Sakura festival (Photo: quangninh.gov.vn)

The introduction of Japan’s national flower will promote tourism services among locals. The festival will display cherry blossoms, handicraft products, bonsai, and food and introduce tourism services and destinations in Quang Ninh province and Japan. Festival goers will enjoy music performances by artists from both countries and tuna cooking demonstrations by Japanese chefs.