Vietnam - Japan Relations in the New Era

At the opening session of the conference, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Khanh (Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities) gave a speech on the Vietnam-Japan relationship in history and at present and the situation of Japanese studies research at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

The speech affirmed that the bilateral relations began very early and are in the strongest development stage, based on the fundamental foundation of mutual respect. In January 2013, the leaders of the two countries agreed to comprehensively develop the Vietnam-Japan cooperative relationship to a new height. The bilateral relations are taking place strongly in all areas, from the state level with infrastructure construction projects, institutional reform; to the relationship between enterprises of the two countries through trade and investment; as well as in the relationship between the two peoples through tourism activities, youth exchanges, culture, etc.

At the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Japanese Studies has been researched and trained since the 1990s in a regional study orientation, aiming to provide high-quality human resources, serving as a bridge for the development of relations between the two countries. In 1995, the Department of Japanese Studies was established. Since 2000, the University has been training masters in Asian Studies, including the major in Japanese Studies. This field of study has increasingly attracted the attention of students. The University has also actively cooperated with many Japanese universities, research institutes, and the Embassy of Japan to implement many research projects and major scientific conferences.

On that basis, this workshop is an opportunity for managers and scientists of the two countries to discuss the achievements of cooperation between Vietnam and Japan, point out existing problems and propose solutions to improve the quality of training for young researchers of the two countries.

After the opening session, delegates listened to and discussed specific topics: History and current status of Japanese language training in Vietnam; Research on Japanese studies in Vietnam in the new context - issues raised; Vietnam - Japan relations in the current context; Reception of Japanese popular culture in Vietnam; How has Japanese "manga" culture been accepted in Vietnam and Asia...