Vietnamese-Japanese cultural exchange: exploring deeper aspects.

According to Doi Katsuma, Director of the Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam, given the current foundation of frequent and active cultural exchange, the people of Vietnam and Japan need to gain a deeper understanding of this exchange in the new phase.

Giao lưu văn hóa Việt - Nhật tìm về chiều sâu

Doi Katsuma, Director of the Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam.

Goethe of Germany, L'Espace of France, or the British Council of the UK… the Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam has become a trusted cultural destination for the public in Hanoi . What has contributed to this success, sir? Established in Hanoi in 2008 as an overseas representative office of the Japan Foundation, we operate in three main areas: cultural and artistic exchange, Japanese language education , Japanese studies, and international dialogue. Over the past 15 years, we have collaborated with many organizations and individuals in Vietnam to carry out numerous programs, from exhibitions, concerts, theatrical performances, film screenings, and lectures, to promoting connections between artists and cultural figures from both countries and other countries. In particular, since its establishment, the Center has made significant contributions to supporting Japanese language education activities, including supporting Japanese language education in Vietnamese secondary schools. To meet the growing demand for Japanese language learning, we are strengthening our support at various levels, including: sending Japanese language experts to Vietnam, inviting Vietnamese teachers and students to Japan, providing Japanese language teaching materials, organizing workshops or training courses for teachers, providing teaching consulting services, and organizing Japanese language proficiency tests in Vietnam. Regarding Japanese studies and international dialogue, we support the organization of conferences and seminars for research institutions on Japan. We also invite researchers to Japan to promote a deeper understanding of Japan in Vietnam; and organize intellectual exchange programs such as collaborative research projects and dialogue programs to enhance understanding of common bilateral, regional, and global issues. With the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, what are the Center's key activities for this year? Our goal this year is to promote the appeal of Japan to all segments of the Vietnamese population. The main activity will be organizing exhibitions with themes ranging from traditional to modern, lasting from three weeks to one month.

Japanese doll exhibition.

Since the beginning of the year, we have successfully organized several exhibitions such as Japanese ceramics, Japanese landscape photography by a Vietnamese photographer, and Japanese dolls in Da Nang city and Bac Giang province… From September onwards, in addition to maintaining these exhibitions, we will organize the Japan Hour Japanese Film Screening Program – a cultural event that is very popular with the Vietnamese public, and also sponsor the opera “Princess Anio” taking place from September 22-24 – a key activity commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan. In October, we plan to hold a J-Pop and Anime concert at the Youth Theatre and Complex01 with a famous Japanese singer as a guest. Vietnamese people are increasingly fond of and close to Japanese culture. What are your impressions of this cultural exchange? Personally, I increasingly see similarities and closeness between the people and cultures of Vietnam and Japan. It's gratifying that Vietnamese people consistently show deep interest in and trust in Japanese products and services. Furthermore, the number of people interested in various fields, from popular culture such as comics, animation, and fashion to art and literature, is increasing, especially among the younger generation. In your opinion, what direction should cultural exchange between the two countries take in the future? With the current foundation of frequent and active exchanges, we need new directions. As an agency promoting Japanese culture in Vietnam, we have a strategy for cultural exchange at the following levels: The first level is through artifacts that embody the thoughts, feelings, and culture of the Japanese people. The second level is increasingly expanding and deepening person-to-person exchanges. The third level is social exchange – an area we haven't done much in yet and hope to further promote in the future.

Mr. Doi Katsuma with Vietnamese students at an exhibition on Japanese ceramics.

Based on the increasingly expanding and developing relationship between Japan and Vietnam, we aspire to further strengthen exchanges, information sharing, and cooperation in various fields to create new values. Looking back at the 50 years of diplomatic relations, the achievements of cultural exchange between the two countries are clearly visible. However, in the next 50 years, we should not simply "observe" but reflect on this exchange. We must find a way for Vietnamese people not only to appreciate but also to understand the cultural and historical context behind it, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of Japanese culture. Similarly, when Japanese people enjoy Vietnamese food, they should not only find it delicious but also understand the history and meaning behind the dish.

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