On November 15, 2024, the Faculty of Japanese Language at Foreign Trade University, with the sponsorship of the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam and the Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam, successfully organized the “FTU Japanese Culture Day 2024.”

The biennial Japanese Culture Gala, organized by the Faculty of Japanese Language with the support of FTU’s Japanese Language Club, has become a valuable platform for students to exchange and learn about Japanese culture, targeting not only FTU’s Japanese language students but also students across Hanoi with an interest in Japan.

Attending the event, representing the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam, were Ms. Kamitani Naoko – First Secretary and Director of the Cultural Information Center, Head of the Cultural Department; Mr. Nakashima Yusuke – Second Secretary; and Mr. Yoshioka Norihiko – Director of the Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam. The event also welcomed leaders of partner organizations and enterprises.

Representing FTU were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Anh Tuan – President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Thi Thu Thuy – Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thu Huong – Vice President; Mr. Nguyen Huu Dung – Secretary of the FTU Youth Union; Dr. Tran Thi Thu Thuy – Dean of the Faculty of Japanese Language; Ms. Bui Thi Loan – Vice Dean of the Faculty of Japanese Language; along with numerous faculty and students.

In his opening speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Anh Tuan emphasized the importance of cultural exchange and connection as a foundation for collaboration and success. He affirmed FTU’s commitment to promoting cross-cultural understanding as a core value.

Ms. Kamitani Naoko, in her welcome address, acknowledged FTU's efforts to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between Vietnam and Japan. Mr. Yoshioka Norihiko expressed delight that Japanese culture and language continue to be embraced and appreciated by Vietnamese youth.

Under the theme “The Gateway to the Future,” students’ lively and creative performances reflected their love for Japanese culture and their determination to explore and overcome challenges. Earlier in the day, cultural activities like Yosakoi dance, tea ceremonies, Ikebana flower arranging, Origami, Aikido, Kendama, and Japanese cuisine attracted enthusiastic participation from both FTU students and visitors.

As the first university to teach Japanese in Vietnam since 1971, FTU’s Faculty of Japanese Language was honored in 2021 by the Japan Foundation for its outstanding contributions to Japanese language education, fostering mutual understanding, and enhancing Vietnam-Japan relations.