Many Japanese news sites such as Jiji, Mapion, Joduran, Tokyo Festa, Party Animals, and Viet-jo introduced the upcoming Vietnam Pho Festival 2023, slated for next month in Japan, describing the event as ‘special,' ‘varied,' and ‘captivating.'

“Just a 5-10 minute walk from train stations such as Yoyogi Koen, Harajiku, or Yoyogi - Hachiman, visitors can immerse themselves in a diverse culinary scene plus stunning art performances," Party Animals talked about the fest, the first of its kind in this East Asian nation.

Tokyo Festa announced that the festival will take place from October 7 to 8 at Yoyogi Park in Tokyo. 

The festival, whose opening ceremony will be held at 11:00 am on October 7, will open from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm over the course of the two days.

With around 40 booths, the Vietnam Pho Festival is expected to serve some 50,000 visitors, according to Joduran.

Meanwhile, Vietjo mentioned a series of interesting activities at the event, including an interaction with Phuong Chi, a Vietnamese-Japanese idol, the first P1 (P-One) Grand Prix tournament, and a competition in which participants are required to find dishes that best suit Japan’s traditional flavors.

“This is the first time the Vietnam Pho Festival has been held in Japan. It is also the first overseas event held by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper,” Mapion News said and added that the festival marks the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties.

Jiji listed multiple fun facts about pho, saying that: “Pho is among the most popular breakfast foods in Vietnam. It’s also a kind of dish for family and friend bonding.”

Each region in Vietnam has its own recipes to cook pho, Jiji said, citing the dishes in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City as an example.

The one in Hanoi has a light broth and is served with thinly-sliced beef, while that in Ho Chi Minh City has a richer broth and is served with more side dishes, Jiji said.

Jiji also added that pho is a healthy food and thus is widely preferred in Japan.

The Vietnam Pho Festival 2023, which marks the seventh edition of the ‘Day of Pho’ (December 12), initiated and annually held by Tuoi Tre, is aimed at promoting Vietnamese cuisine, particularly pho, a Vietnamese soup consisting of broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat – usually beef or chicken.

This year’s 'Day of Pho' will be co-hosted by Tuoi Tre and Saigontourist Group, with support from the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Association, and Japanese partners.

In addition, Aoyagi Yoichiro, a member of Japan’s House of Representatives and the head of the Vietnam-Japan Festival organizing committee, as well as Mainichi newspaper have been providing significant support.

The program also enjoys sponsorship from national carrier Vietnam Airlines, Southern Airports Services Joint Stock Company, the Ngoc Linh Kontum K5 Ginseng Pho brand, and several other domestic and international companies.

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