On May 3, 2025, the Festival “Trái tim Việt Nam – 50 năm hòa chung một nhịp” officially opened at Hanazono Central Park in Higashiosaka, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. This festival commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification, bringing together Vietnamese expats and their Japanese friends in a vibrant celebration of culture and history.
The event was organized by the Tổ chức Quảng bá Văn hóa Việt Nhật toàn cầu (VCJP) in collaboration with various Vietnamese associations and international cultural organizations in Japan. It received patronage from the Tổng Lãnh sự quán Việt Nam tại Osaka, the Higashiosaka city government, the Osaka Tourism Bureau, and the Cục Hợp tác Quốc tế (Bộ VHTTDL Việt Nam). Notable attendees included ông Ngô Trịnh Hà, the Tổng Lãnh sự Việt Nam tại Osaka; ông Iwaya Ryohei, a member of the Japanese House of Representatives; ông Yoshikazu Noda, the Mayor of Higashiosaka; and ông Trần Nhất Hoàng, the Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Vietnam.
In his opening remarks, Tổng Lãnh sự Ngô Trịnh Hà emphasized the historical and cultural significance of the event, stating, "The 50th anniversary of the reunification is a sacred milestone in our national history." He highlighted that the festival, themed “Vietnamese Heart – 50 Years in Harmony,” serves as an opportunity to reflect on the heroic history of Vietnam and to honor the sacrifices made by previous generations for independence and national unity.
Mayor Yoshikazu Noda also acknowledged the contributions of the Vietnamese community in Higashiosaka, expressing gratitude for their role in organizing such a historically significant event. He noted, "In the past 50 years, Vietnam has made remarkable progress and has become one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia, attracting global attention." He expressed confidence that cultural, economic, and human exchanges between Vietnam and Japan would continue to flourish.
Japanese House of Representatives member Iwaya Ryohei extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Vietnamese people on this important anniversary. He remarked on the vibrant presence of the Vietnamese community in Higashiosaka, stating, "The festival is a wonderful opportunity to widely introduce Vietnamese culture and spirit to the Japanese people." He reaffirmed that, based on the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan, the Duy Tân Party of Japan would continue to work towards enhancing bilateral relations.
Đỗ Hải Khôi, the head of the organizing committee, shared that the festival aims to honor the sacrifices of past generations while fostering unity among Vietnamese people living in Japan. He expressed pride in the event, stating, "This festival is a tribute to our past and a celebration of our love for our homeland, allowing expatriates to experience the spirit of solidarity and national pride in Japan."
One of the festival's highlights was a performance featuring over 1,000 Vietnamese participants, including Trần Thị Tuyết, who expressed her pride in witnessing so many compatriots celebrating the anniversary together. The festival showcased various performances, including the liên khúc “Đất nước trọn niềm vui – Như có Bác Hồ trong ngày vui đại thắng” and the traditional dance “Kết đoàn,” representing the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam.
The festival is set to run until May 4, 2025, and features a variety of activities, including musical performances by renowned artists such as Tùng Dương, Isaac, and Duyên Quỳnh, as well as art exhibitions and culinary displays. The event also includes community activities like the Global Cultural Carnival and the “Vạn cờ Tổ quốc tung bay” campaign, where attendees receive national flags before entering the venue.
To prepare for this campaign, the organizers transported 10,000 national flags from Vietnam to Japan in March, ensuring a vibrant display of national pride throughout the festival. The atmosphere was electric, with participants eagerly waving their flags and celebrating their heritage.
As the festival unfolded, it not only became a cultural showcase but also a bridge connecting the hearts of Vietnamese people in Japan with their homeland. The event was designed to promote the beauty of Vietnamese culture, art, and cuisine, highlighting the contributions of the Vietnamese diaspora to the local community.
Overall, the Festival “Trái tim Việt Nam – 50 năm hòa chung một nhịp” stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Vietnamese people, celebrating their history, culture, and unity while fostering deeper ties with Japan. As the festival continues, it promises to leave a lasting impact on both the Vietnamese community and their Japanese friends, reinforcing the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
