Expanding People-to-People Exchanges between Vietnam and Kansai Region (Japan)

	Vietnamese Football Tournament in Kyushu Raises Funds for Victims of Natural Disasters and Floods
	“Vietnamese Class” in Small House in Yamagata

Speaking at the reception, Bui Khac Son, Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Association, expressed his pleasure in welcoming the delegation from the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Association of Kansai during their visit and working trip to Vietnam. He viewed the visit as a meaningful activity contributing to enhanced understanding, mutual trust, and stronger bonds between the peoples of the two nations.

The Vietnam-Japan Friendship Association received the delegation from the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Association of the Kansai region. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

He affirmed that the Vietnam-Japan relationship is developing robustly within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World, in which people-to-people exchanges and local cooperation form a solid foundation. The Vietnam-Japan Friendship Association will continue close coordination with Japanese friendship organizations, localities, and enterprises, particularly in the Kansai region, to expand practical and effective cooperation activities in the near future.

He added that in early December 2025, the Association plans to send a working delegation to Japan, with Osaka, the center of the Kansai region, as the first destination. The trip aims to promote bilateral cooperation at both local and people-to-people levels.

A member of the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Association of Kansai speaks at the meeting. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Nishimura Teiichi, President of the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Association of Kansai, expressed his gratitude for the warm reception from the Vietnamese side and conveyed his sympathy to the Vietnamese people affected by recent storms and floods. He shared that over the past 30 years, the Association has continuously expanded its activities, from cultural exchanges, investment promotion, and business networking to supporting the Vietnamese community living, studying, and working in Kansai. The Association has also actively advocated for the establishment of the Consulate General of Vietnam in Osaka and organized numerous events to promote the image of Vietnam.

The Japanese delegates expressed their special affection and attachment to Vietnam, emphasizing that people-to-people exchange is the strong bond that unites the two nations. Motonori Tsuno, former Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Vietnam, shared his over 30-year connection with the country and recalled the words of former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama: “People are the foundation of all relationships,” affirming that this holds especially true for Vietnam-Japan relations.

Keiichi Hasegawa, President of EHLE Institute in Osaka, noted that approximately 600 Vietnamese students are currently studying at the institute. EHLE has signed cooperation agreements with 13 universities in Vietnam and annually supports hundreds of Vietnamese students in internships and job placements at Japanese companies. He affirmed that EHLE Institute will continue expanding educational cooperation and supporting Vietnamese youth in their studies and careers in Japan, thereby contributing to people-to-people exchanges and enhancing mutual understanding between the two countries.

Delegates pose for a group photo. (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

Speaking at the meeting, Ambassador Nguyen Phu Binh, Vice President of the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Association, stated that the Vietnam-Japan relationship is currently at its best stage in history, having expanded comprehensively across all fields. He expressed his gratitude for the affection and support of the Japanese Government, people, and organizations, including friendship associations, toward Vietnam over the years.

Ambassador Doan Xuan Hung, Vice President of the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Association, shared that through many years of working in Japan, he has deeply felt the sincere affection between the peoples of the two nations. He emphasized that Vietnam-Japan relations will continue to develop sustainably if both sides preserve and nurture the foundation of mutual trust and understanding.

Four Pillars of JICA’s Cooperation in Vietnam in Coming Time At the mid-fiscal year 2025 press conference on October 8, Kobayashi Yosuke, Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Vietnam Office, announced that ...

Promoting Vietnam-Japan Technology Transfer and Eco-Investment Cooperation On October 9, in Higashi Osaka (Japan), the Vietnam-Japan Economic and Cultural Promotion Association (VJECPA) and the Finance Sub-Association of Vietnam Industrial Zones held a ...