On March 8–9, 2025, the Hai Phong – Nam Cau Kien Hanami Festival was held with great success at Nam Cau Kien Industrial Park, drawing thousands of local residents and tourists. As a co-organizer, the Hai Phong Department of Foreign Affairs proudly affirms that this event was not only a vibrant cultural activity but also a vivid symbol of the enduring friendship between Hai Phong and Japan—particularly with Kitakyushu City.
This year’s festival was organized through close cooperation between the Hai Phong Department of Foreign Affairs, Shinec Joint Stock Company, and enthusiastic support from Japanese partners. A special highlight of the event was the dynamic recreation of Japanese cultural space in the heart of the Nam Cau Kien ecological industrial park. Over 200 cherry blossom trees in full bloom, combined with interactive activities such as origami folding, fox mask painting, and Japanese culture quizzes, offered unforgettable experiences for all participants.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Dung, Director of the Hai Phong Department of Foreign Affairs, shared: "The Hai Phong – Nam Cau Kien Hanami Festival 2025 is the result of unity and tireless efforts by all organizing parties. We chose Nam Cau Kien Industrial Park not only because it is a model ecological industrial zone, but also to convey a message of sustainable development and cultural integration as Hai Phong pursues its vision of becoming a green and modern city."
This event reaffirmed Hai Phong’s role as a vital bridge in Vietnam–Japan relations, where economic and cultural exchange harmoniously intersect. Thousands of visitors—from local residents to workers in the industrial park—turned the festival into a true community celebration. The variety of activities not only brought joy but also helped promote Hai Phong as an attractive, friendly, and culturally rich destination. The Department of Foreign Affairs highly values the close collaboration of Shinec JSC, the company that has transformed Nam Cau Kien Industrial Park into a green and ideal space for cultural exchange events.
Looking back at the success of the Hai Phong – Nam Cau Kien Hanami Festival 2025, the Department affirms this was a significant step in advancing cultural diplomacy and international cooperation. With nearly 170 Japanese investment projects in Hai Phong and total capital exceeding USD 5.6 billion as of the end of 2024, the event further strengthens the city’s position in the eyes of international partners. In the future, the Department of Foreign Affairs will continue working with relevant stakeholders to organize more meaningful events, contributing to Hai Phong’s prominence on the global map of cultural and economic exchange.
Though the 2025 Hai Phong – Nam Cau Kien Hanami Festival has concluded, the impressions of blooming cherry blossoms and heartfelt friendship remain deeply in the hearts of every attendee. This is not only a source of pride for the Department of Foreign Affairs, but also a driving force for Hai Phong to further assert its role in the journey toward international integration and sustainable development.