As many as 1,500 Japanese and Vietnamese people gathered in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province on August 24 to celebrate the Vietnam-Japan Cultural Day 2013. The event enticed a variety of participants, from Kawasaki City leaders and Japanese Consulate General representatives, to expatriate Japanese citizens, and hundreds of interested local students. Organisers arranged introductions to Vietnamese and Japanese culture and customs, including the art of origami paper folding, traditional painting, and composing Haiku. Attendees could also sample special cuisine, try their hand at traditional Japanese games, and observe a calligraphy demonstration. The Cultural Day aims to promote cultural exchanges between the two countries and thereby help reinforce bilateral diplomatic ties. VOV