VietNamNet Bridge - The Cherry Blossom Festival took place this weekend in Hanoi to celebrate mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries.

The highlight of the event was the display of 200 cherry trees and 10,000 cherry branches from Japan at the Ly Thai To Park, near the Hoan Kiem Lake in the downtown of Hanoi.

Growers and horticulturalists will be dispatched by the Japanese government to take care of the planting as well as ensure that the flowers will continue to bloom each year.

Japanese experts said the cherry trees from northeastern Japan are suitable with the weather conditions and soil in Hanoi. They will be planted at Hoa Binh Park on Hoang Quoc Viet Street in Bac Tu Liem District.

This year marks the tenth cherry blossom festival held in Hanoi. It is considered the most outstanding event of the year to introduce Japanese culture to local residents and visitors.

The cherry blossom festival also took place during the weekend in Hạ Long City in the northern province of Quang Ninh.

Some pictures of Japanese cherry in Hanoi:

The programme is co-organised by the Hanoi city authorities, Japan's Wanokai International Culture Association and Advance International Company (AIC) to celebrate friendship and co-operation between Vietnam and Japan The programme opened on the evening of March 19 with exciting performances by Japanese artists 200 cherry blossom trees were presented to Hanoi authorities at the opening ceremony as a symbol of Vietnam-Japan friendship. The trees were taken from Japan’s Okinawa prefecture, which has a similar climate and soil conditions to Hanoi The trees will be planted at Hoa Binh Park in Bac Tu Liem district with support from Japanese experts The event also includes cultural activities such as an exhibition of Vietnamese and Japanese heritage, Aikido (Japanese martial arts) performances, and a flower arrangement competition. An ensemble of traditional Vietnamese musical instruments at the event         Okinawa flower arrangement contest                             Japanese tea ceremony       Vietnamese kids play a Japanese folk game.     A Vietnamese in Kimono

VNN/VNE/Nhan Dan