Kanagawa: The Intersection of culture, cuisine, and Vietnam-Japan friendship

Located just south of Tokyo, Kanagawa Prefecture is not only a land of majestic natural landscapes but also a custodian of Japan's long-standing historical values. For the Vietnamese community, Kanagawa is gradually becoming a familiar "home away from home," a vivid symbol of the intersection and strong connection between our two nations.

Where ancient heritage meets modern civilization

Kanagawa is a land of beautiful contrasts, where travelers can traverse layers of history in a single trip. If the ancient capital of Kamakura captivates visitors with the Zen atmosphere of ancient temples and the bronze Great Buddha (Daibutsu) standing tall at 11.3 meters for centuries ^[1], then the port city of Yokohama brings the refreshing breath of a new era. Most notable is the Red Brick Warehouse – a classic Western architectural structure by the bay, a living testament to the period when Japan opened its doors to global trade in the late 19th century ^[7].

To fully experience this unique intersection, Ofuna is the ideal starting point. Likened to a "golden junction" connecting experiences, from Ofuna Station, visitors can board the Shonan Monorail – a rare suspended railway system. The sensation of gliding through the sky, watching the streets below as you head towards Enoshima, serves as an exhilarating start to your journey of discovery ^[2].

A journey of deepening friendship

The relationship between Vietnam and Japan entered a brilliant new chapter after being upgraded to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" in late 2023 ^[5]. However, in Kanagawa, this emotional bond has been tightly knit long before, through unique annual cultural exchange activities.

Unlike many other places, Kanagawa is one of the few regions to maintain large-scale festivals in a "two-way exchange" format. In Japan, the Vietnam Festa in Kanagawa has been held annually since 2015, becoming an indispensable autumn rendezvous. Conversely, to reciprocate that kindness, the Kanagawa Festival in Vietnam was initiated in 2018, bringing the vibrant Yosakoi festival atmosphere and the beauty of this land closer to the Vietnamese public ^[4][6]. It is this persistence and understanding over nearly a decade that has turned Kanagawa into a hospitable land for a community of over 565,000 Vietnamese people living in Japan ^[3].

The clearest proof of this attraction was the Vietnam Festa in Kanagawa 2024, which took place in September with the theme "Blooming Exchange," attracting approximately 210,000 visitors ^[4]. The festival atmosphere this year was even more vibrant with the presence of beloved Vietnamese brands.

During the two days of the festival, Banh Mi Xin Chao was honored to welcome endless lines of customers, setting an impressive "record" with over 4,000 banh mi sold. This number speaks volumes, created by the team's effort and, above all, the trust and love of our dear customers. In particular, the collaboration between Banh Mi Xin Chao and DCOM, giving away 600 free banh mi vouchers, brought countless happy smiles, becoming a great source of motivation for us to continue the journey of spreading Vietnamese flavors.

Discovering Kanagawa’s flavors: a symphony of sea and mountains

Kanagawa cuisine is like an emotional journey, taking diners from the rich flavors of the sea to the serene high mountains. Starting in the windy Shonan bay, you will be immediately conquered by a bowl of Shirasu-don (whitebait rice bowl) with fresh fish, encapsulating the sweet taste of the ocean ^[2]. Wandering into the bustling port city of Yokohama or the Yokosuka area, the history of cultural intersection comes alive through the famous Gyu-nabe (beef hot pot) ^[8], hot Shumai dumplings on train rides, or the distinctively rich Navy Curry ^[2].

The journey becomes even more profound when you seek the ancient capital of Kamakura to enjoy a bowl of Kenchinjiru – a light vegetable soup with a Zen flavor. Finally, don't forget to visit the Owakudani Valley in Hakone to taste Kuro Tamago (black eggs) – a legendary gift from sulfur hot springs with a legend of extending longevity, closing the trip with an unforgettable experience ^[1].

A greeting from Banh Mi Xin Chao

In that flow of cultural intersection, Banh Mi Xin Chao is cherishing a small gift for the community in Kanagawa. This coming December, right in the bustling area of Ofuna Station, we will officially be present to continue writing stories of friendship with you through cuisine.

We believe that after visiting the ancient Buddha statue or experiencing the exciting Monorail ride, a hot banh mi with the flavor of home will be a warm gift, further connecting the love between our two cultures. It is not just a dish, but a message: "Taste Banh Mi, Taste Viet Nam" – taste banh mi to feel the Vietnamese soul in the heart of Japan.