Supplementing with new research on Japan and Asia.

The seminar was a professional discussion revolving around the main reports of two young researchers from the Department of Japanese Studies, Faculty of Oriental Studies.

The presentation by MSc. Pham Le Huy (Department of Japanese Studies, Faculty of Oriental Studies) researched on “Design ideas for a Japanese palace in the 7th century and Thang Long capital during the Ly Dynasty - seen through the hanging of bells and placement of chests in the central area.The report was completed on the theoretical basis of regional studies, with specific operations of comparative and intertextual research. The author's key argument is that the ideals of the classical ruling class were realized and materialized through the planning and arrangement of architectural units, representing a "cultural transplant" based on the Confucian model, aimed at increasing power and symbolizing the prosperity of a dynasty.

MSc. Pham Le Huy presented his paper at the seminar.

Commenting on the report, Dr. Tran Trong Duong (Institute of Han Nom Studies) highly appreciated the author's arguments and the valuable insights in this research paper. Regarding methodology, the author skillfully employed comparative cultural techniques. The paper views Chinese Confucian culture as a foundational culture, a cultural region that shaped East Asia. Therefore, the models of Chinese capitals throughout history are theoretically considered first; these models are seen as archetypes for other culturally similar states like Japan and Vietnam to refer to. Dr. Tran Trong Duong also offered suggestions for further research on the topic. He suggested that if this research were expanded to encompass both Japan and Vietnam over different periods, it would contribute to a broader perspective on the ideology of espionage and the system of official correspondence in medieval East Asian societies. And if possible, the author should broaden the scope of interest and research to include historical sociology. This would involve studying the application and implementation of the "publication" function by feudal dynasties, to understand how medieval society and feudal dynasties used this system as a means of expressing the interaction of power and community interests.

The report by Dr. Nguyen Phuong Thuy (Department of Japanese Studies) focuses on..."Compare the modes"Local collective trademarks and geographical indications in JapanThe report provides an overview of the context of the emergence and protection of local collective trademarks and geographical indications, including their definitions, conditions, subjects, and objects. From there, the author offers comparative observations on the two protection systems.

Dr. Nguyen Phuong discusses with researchers at the seminar.

Dr. Vu Tuan Hung (Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences) commented that examining issues related to intellectual property protection in general, and the protection of local collective trademarks or geographical indications in particular, as discussed in Dr. Nguyen Phuong Thuy's article "Comparison of the Local Collective Trademark System and the Geographical Indication System of Japan," is useful and very practical. It will add further depth to research on Japan in Vietnam. This is particularly significant as Vietnam and Japan officially become two of the twelve members of the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement (TPP). The strategic partnership and cooperation between Vietnam and Japan will open up many special opportunities in building and developing a system for protecting intellectual property assets related to agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. Dr. Vu Tuan Hung also believes that the content of the article reflects some aspects for comparing local collective trademarks and geographical indications, but it does not yet represent a balanced set of criteria. He suggests adding elements such as the type of legal document, protection period, and registration procedures to further clarify the content of the two regulations.

The two presentations received numerous comments and shared opinions from the many delegates in attendance!

Participants in the seminar took a commemorative photo with the speaker.

The final seminar is scheduled to be held on January 23, 2016.