Phongchi, or Phuong Chi in Vietnamese, a Japanese of Vietnamese descent, who is a former member of Japan’s popular girl band Idoling, will take the role as the main master of ceremonies for the 'Vietnam Phở Festival,' which is set to take place at Yoyogi Park in Tokyo on Saturday and Sunday.

Phongchi expressed her pleasure in joining the cuisine event as an emcee, expecting to chat with visitors during the upcoming fest. 

Besides, she will also act as an ambassador for the festival.

Born to a family of Vietnamese descent in Ho Chi Minh City, she is impressed by Vietnam’s traditional culture.

“I have participated in countless Vietnamese festivals and cultural events,” she said.

“This festival is so special as it is about pho.

“Mentioning Vietnamese dishes, people cannot help listing pho as the first must-try food.

“Due to its popularity, pho imposes multiple recipes, and has become a rich source of inspiration for contests.

“We can savor a wide range of pho types at the 'Vietnam Phở Festival 2023.'"

She added that she is looking forward to joining the festival.

“It will be my honor to see you at the event. Welcome to the fest and join me at Yoyogi Park on the Keyaki Namiki pedestrian road,” Phongchi said.

Phongchi was born in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture in 1990 to Vietnamese immigrant parents from Ho Chi Minh City.

She began to be known after participating in an audition, the SMA Teens Audition, in 2005 and joined Idoling as an original member in 2006.

She also released her first photobook titled 'Fon Fonchi' in September 2008 and her first DVD titled 'Cam On: Precious Time' in October 2008.

Seven years from its debut, the ‘Day of Pho’ (December 12) will be organized in Tokyo, Japan, featuring the ‘Vietnam Phở Festival 2023,’ co-hosted by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper and Saigontourist Group.

The festival serves as a tangible commemoration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan.

The festival is meant to introduce Vietnamese cuisine, especially pho, to the world and recreate the taste of homeland pho for overseas Vietnamese.

Scheduled to attend the ‘Vietnam Phở Festival 2023' are many chefs and winners of the ‘Hoa Hoi Vang’ (Golden Star Anise) award Nguyen Tien Hai, Nguyen Tu Tin, and Pham Quang Duy.

The 'Hoa Hoi Vang' award is granted each year during the 'Day of Pho' event to honor pho chefs from across Vietnam.

Participating restaurants include Pho Dau, Pho Hai Thien, Hotel Majestic Saigon, Pho Phu Gia, Pho’S, Sen SASCO, Pho Ta, Binh Tay Food, Pho VGCC, and Pho Thin Bo Ho, among others.

The event receives backing from the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Association in Ho Chi Minh City, and Japanese partners.

The festival will be rolled out in association with national carrier Vietnam Airlines, Suntory Beverage & Food, Southern Airports Services Joint Stock Company (SASCO), Dai-ichi Life, Simply Food, and ALSOK.

Miss Intercontinental 2022 Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc is this year’s ambassador for the festival.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!