Establishing cooperation with the Network of Humanities Research Institutions in Japan.

Attending the signing ceremony, on the Japanese side were Ms. Chuma Ai (Second Secretary of the Cultural Section, Embassy of Japan in Vietnam), Mr. Ando Toshiki (Director of the Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam), Professor Hirakawa Minami (Director of the Network of Japanese Humanities Research Institutions) and other professors from the network; on the Vietnamese side were Professor Pham Quang Minh (Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities), Professor Pham Hong Tung (Director of the Institute of Vietnamese Studies and Development Science) along with professors, scientists, lecturers and students of the University.

Ms. Chuma Ai believes that the generally positive development of relations between Vietnam and Japan provides favorable conditions for academic institutions in both countries to implement educational cooperation.

Professor Pham Quang Minh introduced the rich tradition and prestige of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and expressed his gratitude to NIHU for choosing the University as an academic exchange partner.

Professor Hirakawa Minami expressed his hope for the development of joint research projects between the two institutions, which share a strong interest in the social sciences and humanities.

Speaking at the ceremony, representatives from the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam and the two signatory organizations highly appreciated the significance of this event in promoting research in the humanities and deepening the friendly relations between the people of Vietnam and Japan. The representatives emphasized that, in addition to the political, economic, and social fields, the Vietnam-Japan educational relationship has been developing very well. This relationship has a solid foundation from the academic exchanges between Vietnam and Japan, meticulously cultivated over decades by generations of educators and scientists. Among them was the late Professor Phan Huy Le (Vice President of the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Association), a historian who made significant contributions to groundbreaking research on cultural exchange in the history of the two countries. For the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and the Network of Japanese Humanities Research Institutions, the signing of this cooperation agreement will be a stepping stone to further collaboration, continuing the unfinished journey of previous generations.

Following the opening remarks, representatives from both sides signed a memorandum of understanding, agreeing to implement educational cooperation through activities such as exchanging scientific staff and researchers; exchanging learning materials and facilities; and conducting joint research.

Professor Pham Quang Minh andProfessor Hirakawa Minami exchanged cooperation agreements and souvenirs.

Representatives from both sides took a commemorative photo with the students of the school.

Later that afternoon, the international scientific conference "Japan-Vietnam Cooperation in the Humanities in the Context of Globalization" was held, organized by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and NIHU, with sponsorship from the Japan Foundation. The conference presented and summarized the research results of scientists from both sides on the culture, history, and people of Vietnam and Japan.

In his opening remarks, Professor Nguyen Van Kim (Party Secretary and Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities) expressed his hope that the conference would be a forum for researchers to exchange research results and build a better understanding between the two academic institutions.

The papers presented at the conference included: “Buddhist Tradition and Bibliographic Culture of Vietnam and Japan”, “The Practice and Implementation of Japanese Cultural Studies in Vietnam”, “The Role of Women in Promoting Cultural Heritage: The Case of Matsusaka Indigo Textile Heritage”, “Vietnamese People Learning Japanese Vocabulary”, “Migration in the Japanese Empire”, “The Process of Relief and Promotion of Historical and Cultural Documents in Areas Affected by Natural Disasters”, “What is Future Design?”, “Thang Long Capital and Citadel Design in East Asia”.

Professor Unno Keisuke (National Institute of Literature, Japan) presented on "Buddhist Tradition and Literary Culture of Vietnam and Japan".

Professor Araki Hiroshi (Deputy Director of the Center for International Studies on Japan) presented on "The Practice and Implementation of Japanese Cultural Studies in Vietnam".

Associate Professor Phan Hai Linh (Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities) presented on "The Role of Women in Promoting Cultural Heritage: The Case of Matsusaka Indigo Textile Heritage".

The Network of Humanities Research Institutions (NIHU) of Japan was established in April 2004 and is one of the largest inter-university research institutions in Japan with over 300 members. NIHU's mission is to lead in promoting research in human and social sciences, aiming to address key issues facing humanity in the 21st century. NIHU has been collaborating in the field of humanities research with 17 partners worldwide. The network includes six affiliated institutions: the National Museum of History, the National Museum of Ethnology, the National Institute of Literature, the Institute of Japanese Language Studies, the Japan Center for International Cultural Studies, and the Institute for Global Environmental Studies.