More 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 Oriental Studies.

The team of authors, including Ms. Tran Truc Ly (Department of Chinese Studies) and Ms. Dinh My Linh (Institute of Cultural Studies, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences), and Ms. Vu Minh Anh (TPD Center for Supporting the Development of Young Film Talents), presented a report on the topic "Adults as the center of social interactions: A case study of film by Hirokazu Kore-edaThe authors note that Kore-eda's cinematic characters embody psychological crises that resonate with the maturation process, facing conflicting emotions and the struggle for survival. Faced with human conflicts in the context of modern society, issues that are difficult to resolve satisfactorily, Kore-eda chooses a style imbued with humanistic simplicity and a balanced, inclusive perspective. With a balanced viewpoint, avoiding dogmatism and extremism, while delving into the intricacies of the psychology of all types of people, he also refrains from offering definitive answers to the difficult dilemmas that every adult faces. Kore-eda's cinematic style is relatively mixed, diverse, and flexible. When considered in relation to Kore-eda's social perspective, two key aspects of his style can be identified: artistic techniques aimed at uncovering deep psychological layers and techniques to alleviate extreme tension, thereby helping the characters... His films, consistent with his perspective, always maintain a state of balance, humanity, and a glimmer of hope. This filmmaking style means that Kore-eda's films address the same fundamental issues of adulthood in a modern context as many other films on the international film scene, yet he still leaves a unique mark on the audience because he offers viewers an objective and diverse perspective while simultaneously expressing his own humanistic and optimistic spirit.

Ms. Tran Truc Ly, representing the group, presented the topic "Adults as the Center of Social Interactions: A Case Study of Hirokazu Kore-eda's Film".

Commenting on the report, Associate Professor Tran Thanh Hiep (University of Theatre and Film) stated: This research topic presents not only advantages but also significant challenges for the research team of Tran Truc Ly, Dinh My Linh, and Vu Minh Anh. Studying Hirokazu Kore-eda's films to see adults as the center of social interactions and their associated issues is a smart choice. Implementing this research requires the authors not only knowledge of culture and related scientific fields but also a deep understanding of cinema. Using Hirokazu Kore-eda's films as material, the authors would not have been able to achieve their goal without the necessary knowledge and understanding of cinema. After reading the scientific report, Associate Professor Tran Thanh Hiep assessed it as a meticulous and engaging study containing valuable and useful findings for understanding culture in today's interconnected world.

Associate Professor Tran Thanh Hiep (University of Theatre and Film) commented

Report by Ms. Duong Thu Ha (Department of Japanese Studies) with the topic "The role of Ishiki kaii jōrei in the "civilizing" movement in Japan in the latter half of the 19th century.According to the author, Ishiki kaii jōrei was one of the top-down policies used by the Meiji government to guide the Japanese people towards civilization and enlightenment. Unlike other policies, this law was the first to stipulate penalties for behaviors related to the customs, habits, and daily lives of the people. Although the prohibitions in this law seemed very minor, the government at the time realized that if it was not seriously rectified, it would leave a particularly negative impression on foreigners, making Japan seem uncivilized and "barbaric." The promulgation and implementation of Ishiki kaii jōrei nationwide yielded the first result of improving Japan's image in the eyes of Westerners and laid the foundation for Japan to become a world leader in civic consciousness as it is today.

Ms. Duong Thu Ha (Faculty of Oriental Studies – University of Social Sciences and Humanities) presented her paper.

As the main commentator for the report, Associate Professor Phan Hai Linh (University of Social Sciences and Humanities) remarked: "The 'Enlightenment' period is a topic that has been extensively studied in both Japan and Vietnam. However, analyzing the role of the Regulations prohibiting intentional and unintentional violations, known as Ishiki kaii jorei (hereinafter referred to as the Prohibition Regulations), is an issue that has not yet received sufficient attention in Vietnam. Therefore, this report is significant in introducing these regulations to Vietnamese readers, including the context of their promulgation, their basic content, and their role in Japan during the Enlightenment period." Associate Professor Phan Hai Linh also suggested that the author should analyze the viewpoints of researchers on this issue, and based on that, offer the author's own assessment, such as: Were the Prohibition Regulations appropriate in the contemporary context? In what ways were they appropriate, and in what ways were they inappropriate?

The third seminar is scheduled to be held on September 26, 2015.