Some 20,000 branches of Japanese cherry blossoms will be displayed at the festival, while 100 trees will be taken to Hanoi for plantation during the event, heard a press conference held on February 20.
 
Many of Vietnam’s eye-catching flowers – such as moth orchids, cybidium orchids, lilies, and poinsettias – will also be exhibited at the festival, which is jointly held by the Hanoi People’s Committee and the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam.

According to Director of Hanoi city’s Department of Culture and Sports To Van Dong, the capital city expects to develop the event into an attractive cultural and tourism product to serve local residents and visitors. Thus, the organising board has focused on diversifying the framework of activities and creating an impressive display area. 

Visitors will enjoy Yosakoi (a unique style of street dance performed by large teams), Japanese cuisine, Shogi (Japanese chess), and Kendama (literally “sword and ball”, a traditional cup-and-ball toy).

Vietnamese arts will also be part of the festival including ca tru (ceremonial singing) and hat xam (busking music often performed by blind artists).

At this year’s event, a goodwill ambassador will be selected for the first time to encourage cultural exchange between the two countries.

The Vietnamese cherry blossom goodwill ambassador must have a passion for enhancing the Vietnam-Japan friendship, as well as knowledge of and interest in Japan and N4-level Japanese speaking ability. 

Unmarried Vietnamese women who are above 18 years old and live in Hanoi are eligible to apply for the selection, which will last from January till March 2019.

The winner will be introduced to the public at the opening ceremony of the festival, scheduled to take place on March 29 evening. –VNA