(VOvworld) - A Japanese cultural festival “Ake Ome 2014” which means Happy New Year 2014 took place at the Giang Vo Exhibition Centre in Hanoi on Sunday. The festival featured booths offering Japanese specialties, such as traditional Kadomatsu decorations and carp lanterns.
Visitors were very fond of Japanese traditional dance, Yosakoi, a Cosplay performance and a fashion show. Nguyen Quang Huy, a student of Hanoi University, says: "Here we have Japanese Igo and Shogi chess, and a card game called Hana-Fuda. I’m studying Japanese at Hanoi University and I love Japanese chess, musical instruments, films, and manga. I’m influenced by Japanese culture to a certain extent. For example, Japanese people frequently say “I’m sorry” and “thank you” and I also say it more often."
Visitors painted Daruman dolls’ eyes for good fortune in the New Year and wrote their New Year’s wishes on wood plates. Trying on Kimonos attracted a lot of young girls. Hien is a student at To Hieu Secondary School in Hanoi. "I’m wearing a Yukata, a casual summer kimono of Japanese women. It’s quite difficult to wear and I need someone to help tie the belt. I like Japanese culture and I’ve learned more about it at this festival."
The festival was a highlight of Vietnam-Japan Friendship Year 2013 which marks the 40th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties.