In November 2011, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and the University of Tokyo signed a cooperation agreement to promote the exchange of lecturers and postgraduate students in Japanese studies. The University of Tokyo selected the Department of Japanese Studies as its partner to implement the Program for Promoting Japanese Studies in Vietnam, sponsored by Zensho. The University of Tokyo will send lecturers to teach three courses on Japan at the Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities; simultaneously, it will provide scholarships for postgraduate students specializing in Asian Studies to participate in short-term exchanges at the University of Tokyo, as well as invite lecturers to conduct research in Japan. A Zensho office was established at the University to support the activities of this program, as well as to support research and training in Japanese studies.
After 10 years of operation, Zensho Company decided to end its sponsorship of the program and the Zensho Office. During its operation, the Zensho program achieved many results in investing in equipment and materials for research and study, organizing teaching and academic research activities, short-term practical courses, and receiving international students to study at the University of Tokyo.
During the exchange with Ms. Kanda Makiko, Professor Hoang Anh Tuan expressed his sincere gratitude for the contributions of the Zensho Office and Ms. Kanda Makiko personally to the development of Japanese Studies and the Faculty of Oriental Studies. The University also hopes to cooperate with Ms. Kanda Makiko in other activities such as teaching, research, and publications. In response, Ms. Kanda Makiko expressed her honor and appreciation for the goodwill of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in cooperating with the Zensho Office over the past years. Although the Zensho Office is preparing to cease operations, the University of Tokyo will continue to support the Japanese Studies department in promoting Japanese studies in Vietnam.
