On March 8, the 10th Vietnam-Japan Festival (JVF10) took place in Ho Chi Minh City under the theme “Hand in Hand – Together Forever”.

This milestone event, celebrating a decade of successful cultural exchange, has become the largest Vietnam-Japan cultural festival in the country.

Sugano Yuichi, Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Vietnam, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “The Vietnam-Japan Festival is the largest annual exchange event involving businesses from both countries. This year’s theme reflects the close diplomatic ties and the hope for continued collaboration and mutual development.”

The 2025 festival featured the largest number of booths in its history, hosting cultural performances, culinary exchanges, and exhibitions of collaborative projects in four key areas: education, climate change, community development, and transportation.

A groundbreaking sustainable aquaculture project

One of the most notable highlights was Can Tho University’s climate-adaptive recirculating eel farming model, developed as part of an international cooperation project supporting climate adaptation in the Mekong Delta.

Associate Professor Dr. Pham Minh Duc, project leader and lecturer at Can Tho University, explained, “The TC 2 project builds on previous achievements from TC 1 and loan-based projects implemented since 2015. Based on real-world research conditions in the Mekong Delta, this initiative introduces 12 practical models tailored to local needs, with strong community involvement.”

The recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) employed in the eel farming model allows for water reuse and integrates both mechanical and biological filtration processes.

Solid waste is removed through mechanical filtration, while dissolved waste is broken down by beneficial bacteria, converting toxic ammonia into harmless nitrate. This system reduces wastewater discharge, conserves water resources, and ensures food safety.

A major advantage of this method is its ability to control the farming environment, reducing the need for antibiotics, chemicals, or medications.

With a stocking density of 300-500 eels per square meter, the model enhances economic efficiency while maintaining environmental and food safety standards.

Potential for nationwide expansion

When asked about the possibility of expanding the model to other regions, such as Nghe An - home to a well-established eel farming industry in northern Vietnam - Dr. Pham Minh Duc affirmed, “With a controlled recirculating system, eel farming can be implemented anywhere.

This technology minimizes water usage, ensures stable breeding conditions, and adapts to diverse climates, including colder regions.”

Currently, this model is being successfully implemented in Hau Giang Province, recognized as the "cradle" of eel farming in southern Vietnam. Several eel farming cooperatives have already adopted the system, with strong support from local authorities.

Additional Vietnam-Japan collaboration projects

Beyond sustainable aquaculture, the festival also highlighted other key Vietnam-Japan cooperation projects:

Vietnam-Japan University development project: Established in 2014, the Vietnam-Japan University serves as a symbol of the two nations’ comprehensive strategic partnership. Currently, around 1,100 students are enrolled in programs such as Computer Science, Japanese Studies, Smart Agriculture, and Food Technology.

Japanese volunteer exchange program: Over the past 30 years, more than 750 Japanese volunteers have worked in Vietnam across sectors such as healthcare, education, culture, sports, and community development. Five volunteers specializing in marketing, tourism, and community development participated in this year’s festival to share their experiences.

Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien) project: One of the largest Vietnam-Japan cooperation initiatives, the metro line was officially completed and began commercial operations on December 22, 2024.

The grand inauguration ceremony is set for March 9, 2025, with the presence of high-ranking officials from both countries.

The Vietnam-Japan Festival continues to serve as a bridge for cultural exchange and economic cooperation, reinforcing the two nations' commitment to sustainable development and climate adaptation.

Huy Minh