Saigon weekend: Japanese festival, art market and Women's Day dinner

The 9th Japan Vietnam Festival

The Japan Vietnam Festival, an annual event in Ho Chi Minh City, returns for its ninth edition. With the aim of showcasing and celebrating the cultures of Japan and Vietnam, the festival seeks to strengthen the friendship between the two nations.

Visitors attending the Japan Vietnam Festival in HCMC. Photo courtesy of Japan Vietnam Festival

This two-day event features various programs such as culinary and tourism exchange activities, Vietnamese ao dai performances, and music performances. Attendees can also explore booths displaying Vietnamese and Japanese poetry, tea ceremonies, the Japanese art of paper folding origami, and traditional folk games. A new addition to this year's festival is a snow area, designed to entertain young visitors.

The festival will be held from March 9 to 10, at 23/9 Park, situated between Pham Ngu Lao and Le Lai streets in District 1. Admission is free.

French movie "Van Gogh"

French cinema Rendez-vous is a weekly event introducing the richness and diversity of French cinema by screening a variety of very different films. Screenings are held by French Cinema Rendez-vous and Institut Français de HCMV.

"Van Gogh" tells the story of the gifted painterVincent Van Gogh. After leaving the hospital, Van Gogh moves to Auvers-sur-Oise, where he is looked after by Dr. Gachet. During his time there, he develops a romantic relationship with Marguerite, who is the daughter of his host, Dr. Gachet. However, Marguerite comes to understand that Van Gogh's true passion and devotion lie in his art, rather than in their relationship. His art is depicted as the driving force in his life, giving him purpose and fulfillment.

A part of the "Van Gogh" poster. Photo courtesy of DCiné Cinema

The movie will be screened at 7 p.m. on March 9 at DCiné Cinema, 6 Mac Dinh Chi Street, District 1. The price of a ticket is VND75,000 ($3) per person. The movie is suitable for audiences aged 16 and above.

Art market event

Saigon Outcast, a social hub at 188/1 Nguyen Van Huong Street, Thu Duc District, will host an art market event titled "More Than an Art Market."

The event will feature a diverse range of artworks and craft items available for purchase, including paintings and artisanal products. Attendees can also engage in interactive workshops to create their own artworks under guidance.

"More Than an Art Market" poster. Photo courtesy of Saigon Outcast

The "More Than an Art Market" event will take place from noon to 9 p.m. on March 9. Admission to the event is priced at VND30,000 ($1.20). Children must be accompanied by adults at all times during the event.

Pet art exhibition "BiBi & Friends"

"BiBi & Friends" is an exhibition dedicated to animal lovers, aimed at supporting dog and cat rescue stations. The exhibition will showcase multimedia works from various artists, including paintings, photography, poetry, and short films. The event is named after Bibi, a formerly homeless cat who found a loving home during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"BiBi & Friends" poster. Photo courtesy of Tipsy Art

The exhibition will feature more than 40 pet-related artworks. Attendees can purchase art pieces displayed, with proceeds going towards supporting animal shelters.

The exhibition will run from March 9 to 15 at Tipsy Art, located at 6B Nguyen Canh Chan Street, District 1. Admission ticket is VND50,000 ($2) per person.

Special set menu for International Women's Day

Japanese restaurant SORAE will organize a special dining event to celebrate International Women's Day, featuring a set menu created only for this day, with violin performance.

Creamy smoked salmon spring roll, featured in the set menu for the International Women's Day celebration at SORAE. Photo courtesy of SORAE

The menu includes items such as salmon skin salad with truffle dressing, assorted high-quality sashimi, angus beef steak, and mixed deep-fried cod fish with grilled sushi rice. In addition to the culinary offerings, there will be an area where men can package rose bouquets.

The set menu is priced at VND1,800,000 ($73) per person. The International Women's Day celebration at SORAE will take place on March 8 at two time slots: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. SORAE is located at level 51 of Bitexco Financial Tower, 36 Ho Tung Mau Street, District 1.