Japanese scholars' unique perspective on Vietnam

The event was held to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the 52nd anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations.

Prof. Dr. Furuta Motoo (second from left) interacts with readers. Photo: STBook

Speaking at the ceremony, Associate Professor Dr. Vu Trong Lam, Director - Editor-in-Chief of the Truth National Political Publishing House, said that as a Vietnamologist, an expert on modern history and Vietnamese politics, Professor Dr. Furuta Motoo has spent more than 50 years researching Vietnam. He is the author of many research books on Vietnam's historical issues, of which 3 books have been published in Vietnam at the Truth National Political Publishing House: "Ho Chi Minh - National Liberation and Innovation" (1997); "Vietnam in World History" (1998); "The 1945 Famine in Vietnam - Historical Evidence" (2005; reprinted in 2011, 2016 and 2022).

Associate Professor, Dr. Vu Trong Lam, Director - Editor-in-Chief of the National Political Publishing House Truth (center) presents books to Japanese delegates. Photo: STBook

The book Vietnam - A Perspective from Japan consists of 10 chapters, over 400 pages. From an objective and dedicated perspective, Prof. Dr. Furuta Motoo has painted a vivid "picture" of the history, culture, society, people and politics of Vietnam, not only as a researcher, but also as a close friend, an insider who has lived, worked and experienced this country in both wartime and peacetime.

Through the book, readers will have access to everything from the daily life of Vietnamese people to issues such as the history of nation building, resistance wars against foreign invaders, political institutions, socio -economic development process, foreign relations and the role of Vietnam in the region...

At the ceremony, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Vietnam Ito Naoki said that the book “Basic Knowledge about Vietnam” by Prof. Dr. Furuta Motoo was published in Japan in 2017 and is now translated into Vietnamese and published in Vietnam under the name “Vietnam - A Perspective from Japan”.

Delegates at the book launch ceremony "Vietnam - A perspective from Japan". Photo: STBook

According to Ambassador Ito Naoki, the book does not simply look at Vietnam through a one-sided lens, but provides readers with clues to understand Vietnam in a multidimensional way based on historical and social context. Thanks to that, many Japanese readers have had the opportunity to learn more deeply about Vietnam. The publication of this Vietnamese edition helps the Vietnamese people to look at their country from a new perspective, through the lens of a Japanese scholar.

Sharing about the book, Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Giang, Chairman of the Council of Science and Training (Hanoi National University), Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Historical Science Association, said that unlike many history books written in the traditional chronicle style, “Vietnam - A perspective from Japan” is a combination of academic research with personal experience, between historical analysis and social observation.

At the book launch, Professor Furuta Motoo, with his deep understanding of Vietnamese culture and fluent Vietnamese language skills, shared many touching and sincere stories about Vietnam.

Delegates from Japan and Vietnam shared their enduring friendship and pledged to continue promoting educational, cultural and political cooperation between Japan and Vietnam.

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