The event, commemorating Fahasa's 50th anniversary, opened on the evening of 12 April. According to an organizer's representative, the festival marks the beginning of the company's anniversary program series, aiming to serve readers and promote reading culture. The event will run until August.

Young attendees at the "Unbox manga Dan Da Dan" program. Photo: Organizers provided

The program features various popular products among young readers, including manga, character models, and stationery. The event showcases many globally recognized intellectual properties (IPs), such as Hello Kitty, Sanrio, Doraemon, Dan Da Dan, and Sonny Angel. Organizers state that integrating these beloved IPs into bookstore spaces enriches the shopping experience, keeps customers updated on contemporary cultural and entertainment trends, and aligns books more closely with consumer tastes.

A highlight is the launch of the first volume of the popular manga series Dan Da Dan. Readers can also participate in minigames and quizzes to win manga posters from Kim Dong Publisher. Other manga series on display include Frieren - Sousou no Frieren, Monster Deluxe, Hana Yori Dango, One Piece, and Kiki's Delivery Service. Customers receive discounts of up to 50% on many manga titles, models, stationery, and other Japanese-style products.

The program aims to foster a continuous community experience for fans of Japanese culture, manga, card games, and model building. Readers can try the Pokemon ME03 card game and attend model building workshops for Ensky and Gunpla. Organizers anticipate these activities will enhance the event's appeal and increase customer interaction.

"Dan Da Dan" comics displayed at the festival. Photo: Organizers provided

Fahasa was established in 1976 as Quoc Doanh Phat Hanh Sach (State-owned Book Distribution Company) and was privatized 30 years later. In 2024, the company opened six new bookstores: Hung Vuong, Ba Thang Hai, and Dong Sai Gon in Ho Chi Minh City; Hong Bang in Hai Phong; Ca Mau; and Tran Duy Hung in Ha Noi. These branches span hundreds to thousands of square meters. Fahasa Hong Bang is the largest, displaying over 100,000 local and foreign book titles, along with 25,000 items of stationery, school supplies, children's toys, souvenirs, and gifts.

By Tam Ky