Japan in the Asian Age

The international conference with the theme “Japan in the Asian era” organized by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities took place on September 8. The conference had the participation of scientists from universities and research institutes in Japan, Korea, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Jackie Chan/USSH

The opening session of the workshop was held at the 8th floor Hall of Building E.

Attending the workshop were Mr. Tanizaki Yasuaki (Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Vietnam); Mr. Shimo Tsuji Shigeyoshi (Deputy CEO of Toshiba Corporation); Mr. Shirai Makoto (Chairman of Toshiba International Foundation); Mr. Fujita Shinya (Chief Representative of Asia-Pacific Corporation in Vietnam); Mr. Nguyen Phu Binh (Former Ambassador of Vietnam to Japan).

In his opening speech at the conference, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Khanh (Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities) mentioned the increasingly important position of Asia as a dynamically developing region, which has been integrating many conditions to become a strongly developing region, capable of holding a pioneering position in many important areas of world political and economic life. In that context, Japan is an Asian country of special importance, one of the world's leading economies, playing a leading role in the development of the region. Through economic, scientific and technological activities and cultural exchanges, Japan has been contributing to promoting development and enhancing understanding among Asian countries. With that meaning, this Conference will be an opportunity for Vietnamese, Japanese and international scientists to share their thoughts and perceptions about an “Asian Age”, about the role of Japan as well as all Asian countries in the context of Asia rising and making more and more important contributions to the world.

The President also expressed his sincere thanks to the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam and relevant agencies, funding funds, universities, and research institutes of Japan, etc. for their cooperation and support to the University of Social Sciences and Humanities over the years. Thanks to that, the University has continuously improved the quality of training in Japanese Studies, building a leading position and prestige in training and research in this field in Vietnam.

Next, Mr. Tanizaki Yasuaki (Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Vietnam) gave a speech on the history and prospects of Vietnam - Japan and Japan - Asia relations.

The Ambassador emphasized that the Vietnam-Japan relationship is a “strategic partnership” and “is currently at its best in history”. The relationship between the two countries is built on a solid foundation through exchanges in all fields and generations. “Japan will continue to further support Vietnam’s industrialization strategy in the coming time,” the Ambassador said, expressing his hope that “within the framework of the strategic partnership, Vietnam and Japan need to build a mutually beneficial relationship, through long-term cooperation towards the prosperity of the two countries”.

Mr. Tanizaki Yasuaki also affirmed that Japan attaches importance to its cooperative relationship with Asia. Japan's investment in Asia has contributed to training human resources, cultivating culture and promoting mutual understanding in the region. In the future, the relationship between Vietnam - Japan, Japan - Asia will become increasingly closer. Along with Asia's economic growth, issues such as environmental pollution, widening economic gap between urban and rural areas, increasing energy consumption, etc. are problems that require Japan, Vietnam and Asian countries to work together to overcome.

Jackie Chan/USSH

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Van Kim presented the introductory report of the Workshop.

After the opening session, more than 20 papers were presented at the subcommittees:

- Panel 1: Japan in the Asian era.

- Subcommittee 2: Asian research achievements.

- Panel 3: Asia's position in the international context from the perspective of Asian countries.

-Subcommittee 4: Creating a new Asia.

Jackie Chan/USSH

Delegates took souvenir photos after the conference ended successfully.

The workshop is one of the events of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Vietnam - Japan diplomatic relations (1973-2013) and 40 years of ASEAN - Japan friendship and cooperation.