(Information) The 22nd Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange

This is a large-scale festival celebrating the long friendship and historical ties between Hoi An and Japan. Here is a summary of the May 2026 schedule and the main programs.

1. Schedule and Location ▪︎Date/Time: May 22, 2026 (Friday) ~ May 24, 2026 (Sunday) (3 days) ▪︎Location: Hoi An Old Town area * Main Stage: An Hoi Sculpture Garden ▪︎Other locations: Hoai River Square, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, around Japanese Bridge (Cau Nhat Ban/Lai Vien Kieu) 2. Main Programs and Highlights The festival's biggest highlight is the event that recreates the love story between a Japanese merchant and a Vietnamese princess who were active in Hoi An in the 17th century. ▪︎Opening Ceremony (May 22, 19:30): At An Hoi Sculpture Park, a joint Vietnamese-Japanese art performance blending tradition and modernity will be held. ▪︎Reenactment of the Wedding Procession of Princess Ngoc Hoa & Araki Sotaro: May 22–23, Afternoon ▪︎Description: A spectacular street parade recreating the wedding of the Japanese merchant Araki Sotaro and Princess Ngoc Hoa, serving as the core symbol of the festival. ▪︎Vietnam-Japan Cultural Experience Space (09:00 ~ 21:00): On Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, you can enjoy experiences such as a tea ceremony, origami, calligraphy, and trying on a yukata. ▪︎Cultural Exchange Booths and Food (16:00 ~ 21:30): Near Hoai River Square, a food zone and tourism promotion booths will operate, where visitors can taste traditional foods from both countries. ▪︎Exhibition: Exhibitions showcasing historical exchange, such as the [Hizen Ceramics - Patterns That Tell a Story] exhibition (Trade Ceramics Museum), will also be held together.