Traditional Vietnamese music performance at Expo 2025. (Photo: VOV correspondent in Tokyo)

The moment guests step into the 300-square-meter exhibition space, in the shape of a Vietnamese conical hat, they are greeted by traditional Vietnamese music. The immersive environment blends cultural heritage with modern elements that make it stand out.

The pavilion hosts multiple cultural performances – a lotus dance, water puppetry, and concerts played on the zither, the monochord, and the t’rung,  a bamboo xylophone. Visitors can try on traditional Vietnamese attire and engage in other interactive cultural activities.

Two visitors from the US experience Vietnamese culture. (Photo: VOV/Tokyo)

Mr. Brat, a staff member at the US Pavilion, said: "There are different features of Vietnam. We have the 54 ethnicities of Vietnam here, all are the beautiful cultures of Vietnam. We have some history features over here and the development of Vietnam which I think is very beautiful. And we also got to see a traditional musical and water puppet performance, which was a treat great surprise for me to see here."

Vietnam’s Virtual Exhibition Hall. (Photo: Department of International Cooperation)

For the first time at a World Expo, Vietnam is presenting a hybrid-format pavilion. Through the “Virtual EXPO – Yumeshima in the Sky” platform, people around the world can explore the pavilion online, dress their avatar in an ao dai long dress and conical hat, navigate digital displays, and interact with cultural content in Vietnamese or English.

Ms. Ana, also from the US Pavilion, shared her impression with the Vietnamese Pavilion and trying Vietnamese ao dai. "It is beautiful and comfortable. Thank you for this interesting experience.”

At the ongoing Expo, Vietnam announced its National Tourism Year 2025 with the theme “Hue–Ancient Capital, New Opportunities.” This is the first time Vietnam’s largest tourism campaign has been introduced on a global platform.

Ms. Nakano Toshiko, a member of the Osaka prefecture parliament, said: “When I visited the Vietnam Pavilion, I was immediately impressed with the deep affection Vietnam has for Japan. I learned about Hue, the ancient capital, and found many similarities with our own historical cities Nara and Kyoto. Though the current weakness of the yen limits travel, Japanese who visit the pavilion will discover the country’s unique charm, its people, and its vibrant culture.”