On January 25 and 26, 2025, at Kanezuka Park in Omiya, Saitama, Japan, the event Vietnamese Tet in Saitama 2025 with the theme “Homeland Tet in the Hearts of Overseas Vietnamese” took place. This event not only attracted participation from the Vietnamese community in Japan but also provided an opportunity for international friends to better understand the culture and traditions of Vietnam.
Impressive Opening Ceremony Featuring Tea Offering and Traditional Ao Dai
The Vietnamese Tet in Saitama 2025 festival officially kicked off on January 25, drawing thousands of attendees, including both Vietnamese and Japanese people. The ceremony began with a tea offering ritual, a beautiful tradition of the Vietnamese, performed by tea artisans Dao Duc Hieu and Ngoc Diep. This ritual not only holds cultural significance but also serves as a way to preserve and promote the beauty of traditional customs.
Artisans Dao Duc Hieu and Ngoc Diep perform the tea offering ritual (Photo: Organizing Committee).
Following this was a traditional ao dai fashion show by the Hue-inspired brand Bach Tra, featuring designs presented by members of the Vietnamese community in Japan to promote and preserve traditional attire.
Cultural and Culinary Spaces with Authentic Tet Experiences
The event was divided into six main areas, each offering unique experiences of a Vietnamese Tet. Area 1 is the Vietnamese Tet Space, recreating traditional New Year customs. Area 2 is the entertainment zone, featuring music performances that capture the festive spirit. Area 3 is the culinary zone, where visitors can enjoy traditional Tet dishes. Area 4 is the playground, offering folk games, while Area 5 is the community zone, designed for family gatherings and photo sessions. Finally, there is the shopping zone with over 10 stalls, recreating a traditional Tet market.
Artist Bach Tra delivers musical performances rich with springtime charm (Photo: Organizing Committee).
An Event of Connection and Cultural Exchange
In his opening remarks, Deputy Governor Horimitsu Atsushi emphasized that Vietnamese Tet in Saitama 2025 not only brought the Tet atmosphere to the Vietnamese community but also offered an opportunity for Japanese citizens to better understand Vietnamese culture and cuisine. He stated, “This is a chance for connection and cultural exchange between communities. We are proud of the cultural diversity in Saitama and hope this event will foster friendship between our two nations.”
Former Ambassador Nguyen Phu Binh, Chairman of the Association for Contacting Overseas Vietnamese, also shared the profound meaning of the event. He affirmed, “In an increasingly globalized world, preserving national cultural identity is crucial. This festival helps overseas Vietnamese feel the Tet spirit while also educating younger generations about their roots and heritage.”
Conclusion
Vietnamese Tet in Saitama 2025 is not just a culturally significant event but also a symbol of unity, community strength, and the development of friendly relations between Vietnam and Japan. The event successfully brought the homeland’s Tet to overseas Vietnamese while promoting Vietnamese culture to international friends.
