The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam is excited to host a lively cultural event titled “Summer Dance” on Sunday, August 18, from 3:00 PM. We invite you to experience the vibrant spirit of a Japanese summer right here in Hanoi. Please join us to celebrate in colorful yukatas and happi coats, engage in fun activities like origami crafts, and create bright summer-themed artwork. Don’t miss the chance to take photos, answer quizzes, and win exciting prizes! 

More detailed information will be shared soon, so be sure to follow The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam on Facebook for the latest updates! 

Each August, during the Obon period, dance festivals take place across Japan, such as the famous Awa Odori (in Tokushima), the Bon Odori in Hibiya Park (in Tokyo), and the Yosakoi Festival (in Kochi).  The Bon Odori dance was originally born as a ritual to welcome and bid farewell to the souls of ancestors returning to the mortal world during the Obon festival. In post-war Japan, these dance festivals were developed further to promote local economic recovery, bringing people together in a joyful celebration of dance, music, and traditional costumes. Even today, the lively spirit and cultural significance of these festivals continue to unite communities and families, keeping this beautiful tradition alive. 

Event Information 

⛩ Location: Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam 

27 Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi 

📅 Date and Time: Sunday, August 18, 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM 

🔖 Free admission! No registration required 

🎇 Experience corner: 

• Dance: Awa Odori, Tokyo Ondo (Bon Odori), Yosakoi 

• Crafts: Origami, Teru Teru Bozu making 

• Costume: Yukata, Happi 

• Other activities: Quizzes and check-in booth (with prizes) 

🔖 Free admission! No registration required 

Contact Information 

Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam
27 Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Phone: 024-3944-7419 (My: Ext. 113 / Osuka: Ext. 160)
Email: jpfhanoi@jpf.go.jp / mynt@jpf.go.jp       
Website: https://hn.jpf.go.jp/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/japanfoundation.vietnam/