The activities throughout the festival created a vibrant atmosphere, highlighting the cultural intersection between Vietnam and Japan. This contributed to promoting the image of Da Nang and Hoi An as cultural and historical destinations rich in identity.

A major highlight was the Futon Daiko ceremony—the largest palanquin procession from Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture (Japan)—which officially appeared in Hoi An for the first time. The procession moved through the streets around the Pagoda Bridge area to the lively sound of Taiko drums and powerful cheers, attracting a large crowd of onlookers.

The event also reenacted the wedding procession of Princess Ngoc Hoa (daughter of Lord Nguyen Phuc Nguyen) and Japanese merchant Araki Sotaro, recalling the friendship between Vietnam and Japan since the early 17th century.  The festival space was further energized by street art exchanges, Taiko drum performances, calligraphy demonstrations, Japanese tea ceremonies, and a Cosplay competition.

Alongside the main events, several cultural experience programs were held throughout the festival such as: Vietnam – Japan Bonsai exchange; "Ancient Japanese Marks" tours; photo exhibitions; "Hizen Ceramics – Patterns that Tell Stories"; tourism promotion, cuisine, souvenirs, and Japanese manga stalls.
The 21st Hoi An – Japan Cultural Exchange, Da Nang 2025, concluded with many hallmarks of Hoi An, opening a new path with expectations of continued friendship for future exchanges.