Japan Wave Festival Sweeps Through Hanoi
The Japan Wave Festival not only serves as a significant cultural connection between Vietnam and Japan but also stands as an annual event that garners substantial interest, especially among the 2D fandom community.
In response to the eagerness of enthusiastic fans, the Japan Wave Thank You event featured a spectacular showcase titled “As Smooth as Water,” held at Indochina Plaza, 241 Xuan Thuy, Cau Giay, Hanoi, on May 27 and 28. The organizing committee has consistently curated engaging activities since mid-March, creating a vibrant weekend atmosphere for attendees.
The energetic spirit and enthusiasm of the fans left the organizers in awe!
This year’s event centered around the theme “Back 2 Play,” designed to engage both die-hard Manga/Anime fans and casual attendees. Japan Wave recorded over 10,000 visitors who came to experience and immerse themselves in traditional Japanese culture authentically and intimately. The manga enthusiasts were particularly thrilled with a series of compelling activities, including appearances from iconic anime characters like from “Demon Slayer,” “Oshi no Ko,” and the beloved cat character “Doraemon.”
The event left a lasting impression with over 30 diverse activities, five workshop networks, 1,000 practical kits, and numerous gifts from partners, all contributing to a delightful experience at Japan Wave Thank You that satisfied the majority of attendees.
With the goal of creating a vibrant playground for the youth, Japan Wave serves as a platform not only showcasing various unique forms of traditional Japanese culture but also encouraging self-learning and exploration right within the event grounds. Notably, the gaming area buzzed with excitement thanks to the presence of two talented individuals promoting and guiding Newbies to receive “startup codes.”
Project 9: “Heavenly City Construction” also made an appearance during the Japan Wave Traditional Culture Festival. The game features distinctive storylines, anime-style visuals, and heroes who serve as waifus, providing engaging gameplay along with enticing gacha sequences that are currently captivating the gaming community.
Japan Wave – Bringing Japan Closer to the Heart of Vietnam
Aiming to introduce the beautiful land of Japan from an authentic perspective, Japan Wave also showcased various artistic performances and exhibitions featuring traditional Japanese crafts. The event kicked off with a vibrant Yosakoi dance performance by the Isshin En team, captivating the audience with their lively energy.
Yosakoi Stage: The Day We Meet Again.
Alongside the performances, attendees were invited to immerse themselves in hands-on experiences such as writing calligraphy, folding origami, crafting clay carp, painting Nendoroid figures, and building models, enriching their understanding of the intricate beauty of Japanese culture.
The “Anime Character Roleplay” area and the fun zone were always the “hot spots” during the two-day event, with attractive giveaway segments. However, fans of cosplay couldn’t resist the allure of the 2D Idol Ai Hoshino, leading to continuous photo opportunities together with the beloved character.
Additionally, the cultural experience corner served as a space for attendees to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate beauty of Japanese culture. From writing calligraphy, folding origami, crafting clay carp, painting Nendoroid figures, to building models, this area allowed participants to engage and immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Japan.
Notably, with the aim of creating a lively festival atmosphere, the event also encouraged attendees to participate in various interactive games that resonate with the summer vibes of Japanese culture, such as fishing for goldfish, water balloon throwing, and Daruma doll throwing, making Japan Wave a perfect “stress relief” destination for those feeling overwhelmed after intense study and work sessions.
Here are some images from the festival:
Japan Wave is not just a regular festival but also a vital connection point, promoting cultural exchanges between Vietnam and Japan, bringing fans closer to the rich traditions of Japanese culture. If you missed the recent event in Hanoi, you can still register to participate in the next “secret” venue of Japan Wave this fall. Let’s keep an eye out!
