HCM City, March 8 -- The 10th Vietnam-Japan Festival officially kicked off in Ho Chi Minh City on March 8, featuring a series of vibrant cultural, sports, trade, and tourism activities.

Themed "Hand in Hand - Together Forever," the festival aims to foster deeper understanding and strengthen the bond between the people of both nations. The opening ceremony was attended by senior Vietnamese and Japanese officials, underscoring the event's significance in promoting bilateral relations.

Chairman of the HCM City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc highlighted the festival's decade-long journey since its inaugural event in 2013, which celebrated the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Japan.

This year's event coincides wit...