Celebrating the 40th Vietnam – Japan diplomatic ties anniversary, the whole nation has organized many activities to tighten solidarity between two countries, especially cultural events. Binh Duong province has also arranged many practical activities. Many food stalls in Binh Duong Vietnam - Japan Festival 2013 The whole country is celebratingIn recent years, Vietnam – Japan relation has flourished. The two countries have built up a comprehensive strategic partnership, in which Japan has become prioritized nation in Vietnamese foreign policy, and the top cooperating partner of Vietnam. In addition to over $29bln of two-way trading turnover, intensified cultural exchange events have deepened the two countries’ ties. Year 2013 commemorates the 40th the two countries’ diplomatic ties. The whole country has organized practical activities.Namely, on September 16th, Vietnam Television and TBS Japan Television held a press conference for the film “Nguoi Cong Su” (The Partner) about the noble friendship between Vietnamese patriot Phan Boi Chau and Japanese doctor Asaba Sakitaro. Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai said at the press conference: “The film release on this occasion has a special meaning to help audiences to learn more about the reliable relations between two countries, which is not only the result of 40 years but also cultivation of previous generations” (According to Vietnam.vn). On September 14th, Vietnam Embassy in Japan conferred solemnly medals and State credits upon Japanese friends for contributions to Vietnam – Japan relations strengthening.Other activities celebrating the two countries’ ties have been held in many provinces and cities. On September 15th, Union of HCM City Friendship Organizations , HCM City Culture, Sport & Tourism Department hosted Vietnam – Japan Cultural Festive Day with participation of citizens, students as well as Japanese community in HCM City. The event also presented 50 oil paintings about Japanese country and people of artist Tran Quan Ngoc, Chairman of Esperanto International Language Association; donated clothes, books to ethnic poor children; exchanged products to raise funds for poor regional poor children. Also on this occasion, Hiroshima Association donated ¥300,000 to HCM City Poor Patient Sponsoring Association, Tan Kieu school in Dong Thap province and Tan Tao school in Hoc Mon district.From September 9th to 14th, Vietnam – Japan Cultural Week took place in Thua Thien – Hue. Hue Medical University exhibited 70 photos about Japanese country, people and Vietnam – Japan relation, introduced 30 works of students selected from contest about Japan. During this cultural week, Hue City Youth Activity Center organized activities introducing Japanese culture, such as: Japanese cuisine, traditional costumes, games, etc.Binh Duong province joining in the joyIn recent years, due to foreign investment attracting policy of provincial government, Binh Duong province has drawn many investments of Japanese companies. Provincial Party Committee, People’s Committee and agencies have created advantageous conditions so that Japanese expatriates can integrate into Binh Duong land. These are emergence of many Japanese language centers, restaurants, appearance of Japanese goods at stores, supermarkets, etc. “I really like land and people in Binh Duong. I learn a lot of things while communicating with people here, this made me happy and feel comfortable like being in my home country”, Japanese language teacher Ryo Saito said.Binh Duong also organized many events commemorating the 40th Vietnam – Japan relationship. Vietnam – Japan cultural exchange festival happening in last June held by provincial People’s Committee incollaboration with Japanese Embassy left many profound impressions. The event included activities: cuisine introduction, traditional games, and cultural performances of the two countries. Noticeable activity was the friendly football match between Becamex Binh Duong club and Japanese Kawasaki Frontale Club. Student Thanh Hai of Binh Duong University said: “I love Japan, so I registered for a Japanese language course. Today I can experience Japanese culture, knew more about Japanese people and hope to visit Japan in the future”.Provincial People’s Committee Chairman said at the festival, the two countries’ relation has been strengthened and advanced in all fields. The organization of the festival was to reinforce cooperative relationships and was an opportunity for provincial people to examine Japanese culture.Reported by T.Ly, D.Tuan – Translated by Ngoc Huynh