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Kanagawa meets Ho Chi Minh City: From cultural harmony to economic partnership

Annie Nguyen |

artLIVE: The Kanagawa Festival in Ho Chi Minh City 2025 is not only a cultural bridge between Vietnam and Japan but also a gateway to promising economic and investment opportunities for Vietnamese businesses looking to expand into the Japanese market, especially in Kanagawa Prefecture.

Kanagawa – The beauty of harmony hetween Heritage and innovation

Japan has long been known as a symbol of the delicate balance between tradition and modernity, where art, technology, and discipline coexist to create a unique charm. Among its many regions, Kanagawa Prefecture, located right next to Tokyo, stands out as one of Japan’s most vibrant centers of economy and culture.

Lake Ashinoko with a stunning view of Mount Fuji. Photo: fromjapan.info
Lake Ashinoko with a stunning view of Mount Fuji. Photo: fromjapan.info

Kanagawa is famous for its vibrant port city of Yokohama, the ancient Zen temples of Kamakura, the picturesque beaches of Shonan, the Hakone hot spring resorts, and the serene Lake Ashinoko, where visitors can admire breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. These destinations have long been favorites among both domestic and international travelers.Kanagawa Festival in Ho Chi Minh 2025 –

Strengthening Vietnam – Japan cultural and economic exchange

To further promote bilateral cooperation in culture, tourism, and economy, the Kanagawa Prefectural Government — in collaboration with the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, the Ministry of Finance of Vietnam, the Consulate General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City, and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) — is organizing the “Kanagawa Festival in Ho Chi Minh 2025 – Economic Program.”

From left: Mr. Furudate Seiki – Deputy Consul General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City; Mr. Kuroiwa Yuji – Governor of Kanagawa Prefecture; Mr. Nguyen Van Dung – Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee; and Mr. Okabe Mitsutoshi – Chief Representative of JETRO in Ho Chi Minh City.
From left: Mr. Furudate Seiki – Deputy Consul General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City; Mr. Kuroiwa Yuji – Governor of Kanagawa Prefecture; Mr. Nguyen Van Dung – Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee; and Mr. Okabe Mitsutoshi – Chief Representative of JETRO in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Organizing Committee.

The program took place on the morning of November 12 at Nikko Saigon Hotel (Ho Chi Minh City), with over 100 delegates from government agencies, Vietnamese businesses, and a delegation of Kanagawa enterprises in attendance. The event was completely free, offering Vietnamese companies an opportunity to learn about the investment environment, incentive policies, and potential collaboration opportunities in Japan — especially in Kanagawa, which is home to advanced technology, creative manufacturing, and high-quality tourism sectors.

During the keynote speech, Mr. Kuroiwa Yuji, Governor of Kanagawa Prefecture, shared his vision for the comprehensive development of Kanagawa, one of Japan’s leading centers for economy, technology, and healthcare. He emphasized that Kanagawa is not only a strategic satellite of the Greater Tokyo Area but also an ideal destination for international businesses seeking to expand investment, establish representative offices, and develop their market presence in Japan.

Mr. Kuroiwa Yuji – Governor of Kanagawa Prefecture, delivering a speech at the event.
Mr. Kuroiwa Yuji – Governor of Kanagawa Prefecture, delivering a speech at the event. Photo: Organizing Committee.

With attractive incentive policies, modern infrastructure, and a high-quality, balanced living environment, Kanagawa offers ideal conditions for foreign businesses, especially Vietnamese companies, seeking sustainable growth and deeper integration into the Japanese market.

The program continued with presentations from Vietnamese businesses already operating in Kanagawa. In addition, representatives from business support organizations introduced policies and services designed to help Vietnamese companies navigate the market smoothly. Notably, a segment on health and wellness tourism in Kanagawa offered a unique perspective on the region as an ideal destination for relaxation, recharging, and experiencing Japan’s signature culture of healthy and balanced living.

Inside the auditorium, attendees listen attentively to speeches from the representatives of various organizations.
Inside the auditorium, attendees listen attentively to speeches from the representatives of various organizations. Photo: artLIVE.

Opening new opportunities for Vietnamese businesses

Beyond economic figures, the Kanagawa Festival in Ho Chi Minh 2025 also showcased the spirit of cultural connection between the two countries. It provided an opportunity for Vietnamese participants to meet, exchange ideas, and learn from Japan’s development stories, while also sharing Vietnamese identity with the international community.

Exchanges and networking between Vietnamese and Japanese organizations and businesses.
Exchanges and networking between Vietnamese and Japanese organizations and businesses. Photo: artLIVE.

It was also an opportunity for young culture enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, creators, and Vietnamese businesses to explore new directions and reach further in their growth journey.

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