2026 Japanese Law Knowledge Contest for Vietnamese People Launches in Tokyo
	Promoting Cooperative Relations Between Hokkaido (Japan) and Quang Ninh

The event was organized to foster deeper cooperation in publishing, book distribution, and cultural exchange between Vietnam and Japan. It also marked two important milestones: the 50th anniversary of the Ho Chi Minh City Book Distribution Joint Stock Company (Fahasa) and the 10th anniversary of Fahasa’s partnership with the Kinokuniya Group.

In his remarks, Furudate Seiki, Deputy Consul General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City, emphasized that Japanese Book Week is not merely an occasion to showcase publications, but a meaningful platform for cultural exchange between the two nations. He noted that books serve as a “soft bridge,” strengthening mutual understanding, bridging language differences, and promoting cultural and educational values amid increasingly close people-to-people ties between Vietnam and Japan.

Furudate Seiki, Deputy Consul General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City, and representatives from Fahasa and Kinokuniya performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony to inaugurate Japan Book Week. (Photo: Tin Tuc Newspaper).

From his personal experience, Deputy Consul General Furudate Seiki recalled that when he first arrived in Vietnam, the Japanese Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City was located near the Fahasa Nguyen Hue bookstore. He often visited the store to buy books that helped him learn Vietnamese. Today, he noted, Vietnamese books are far more accessible both in Vietnam and Japan thanks to the Fahasa and Kinokuniya systems.

Representing the Kinokuniya Group, Kotaro Takano highlighted that the partnership with Fahasa goes beyond commercial publishing. It encompasses cultural exchange programs such as book weeks, manga events, and author showcases, which have helped cultivate a modern and highly interactive reading environment for audiences in both countries.

From the Vietnamese side, Pham Minh Thuan, Chairman of Fahasa’s Board of Directors, emphasized that after a decade of cooperation, the Japanese bookstore system in Vietnam and the Vietnamese book section in Japan have become vital cultural bridges. He stressed that this collaboration is not only about distributing books, but also about bringing reading culture closer to the public, enabling readers in both nations to directly engage with each other’s language, creativity, and spiritual life.

The exhibition space at Fahasa Nguyen Hue Bookstore was designed with a distinctly Japanese aesthetic, featuring thousands of titles across literature, manga, children’s books, language learning, and art. This year’s Japanese Book Week showcased works by celebrated authors such as Murakami Haruki and Higashino Keigo, alongside beloved manga series including Doraemon, Detective Conan, Chiikawa, Sanrio, and Mofusand. Films and animations by director Hayao Miyazaki also drew enthusiastic attention from young readers.

The event attracted a diverse audience of students, Japanese language learners, and young people passionate about Japanese culture. For many, it was not only an opportunity to purchase books, but also a chance to practice language skills and immerse themselves in Japanese culture through literature, visuals, and interactive activities.

The event attracted a large number of young people who love Japanese culture. (Photo: Tin Tuc Newspaper).

After a decade of collaboration, Fahasa’s network of nearly 30 Japanese-language bookstores across Vietnam has reached an average annual sales volume of more than 60,000 titles. This achievement reflects the growing demand for Japanese books, particularly among young readers, language learners, and those with a deep appreciation for Japanese culture. Beyond the numbers, it underscores the enduring role of books as a sustainable bridge - connecting people, spreading knowledge, and strengthening the bonds of friendship between Vietnam and Japan.

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