Vietnam-Japan relations in the new era

At the opening session of the conference, Professor Nguyen Van Khanh (Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities) gave a speech on the historical and current relationship between Vietnam and Japan, and the state of Japanese studies research at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

The speech affirmed that bilateral relations began very early and are currently in their strongest stage of development, based on the fundamental foundation of mutual respect. In January 2013, the leaders of the two countries agreed to comprehensively develop Vietnam-Japan cooperation to a new level. Bilateral relations are flourishing in all fields, from the state level with infrastructure development projects and institutional reforms; to relations between businesses of the two countries through trade and investment; as well as relations between the people of the two countries through tourism, youth exchanges, and cultural activities.

At the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Japanese Studies has been studied and taught since the 1990s with a regional studies orientation, aiming to provide high-quality human resources and serve as a bridge for the development of relations between the two countries. The Department of Japanese Studies was established in 1995. Since 2000, the University has offered a Master's program in Asian Studies, including a specialization in Japanese Studies. This field of study is increasingly attracting the attention of students. The University also actively collaborates with many Japanese universities, research institutes, and the Japanese Embassy to implement numerous research projects and major scientific conferences.

Based on that, this workshop is an opportunity for managers and scientists from both countries to exchange views on the achievements of cooperation between Vietnam and Japan, identify existing problems, and propose solutions to improve the quality of training for young researchers in both countries.

Following the opening session, delegates listened to and discussed specific topics: The history and current state of Japanese language training in Vietnam; Japanese studies in Vietnam in the new context – challenges; Vietnam-Japan relations in the current context; the reception of Japanese popular culture in Vietnam; and how Japanese "manga" culture has been accepted in Vietnam and Asia…