USSH Celebrates 30 Years of Japanese Studies and 10 Years of Faculty Establishment

30/05/2025

CHIA SẺ:

USSH Celebrates 30 Years of Japanese Studies and 10 Years of Faculty Establishment

Lễ kỷ niệm 30 năm đào tạo ngành Nhật Bản học và 10 năm thành lập Khoa: Hành trình bền bỉ kiến tạo cầu nối Việt – Nhật

On the morning of May 17, the Faculty of Japanese Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH), Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), held a commemorative ceremony marking 30 years of Japanese Studies training and the 10th anniversary of the Faculty’s establishment. The event served as both a reflection on academic achievements and a reunion of generations of lecturers, students, alumni, and partners—those who have nurtured and disseminated the values of "Humanities-based Japanese Studies" over the past three decades.

The ceremony was attended by representatives from the Consulate-General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City, JICA, The Japan Foundation, the Japan Business Association in Vietnam, alongside delegations from domestic and international universities, research institutes, partner enterprises, university leadership, and former and current faculty members, students, and alumni of the Faculty.

The ceremony welcomed diplomatic officials, university leaders, former deans, lecturers, students, alumni, and local and international partners – Photo: THU THAO

In her opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan, Rector of USSH, emphasized the pivotal role of the Faculty of Japanese Studies within the broader mission of the University. She stated that with nearly 70 years of institutional history, USSH has remained committed to cultivating high-quality human resources not only in the core social sciences and humanities but also in the languages, cultures, histories, and economies of foreign nations, including Japan. She affirmed: “The Faculty of Japanese Studies has grown steadily and is now a pioneering institution in Southern Vietnam in the field of Japanese Studies.”

The Rector also underscored the Faculty’s contribution to promoting Japanese culture and strengthening the bilateral friendship between Vietnam and Japan. She extended sincere gratitude to the generations of university and faculty leadership, dedicated lecturers, and the Japanese diplomatic missions, organizations, universities, and enterprises that have supported the Faculty throughout its 30-year journey.

Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan, Rector of the University, highlights the Faculty’s role in promoting Japanese culture and fostering Vietnam–Japan friendship – Photo: THU THAO

Following the Rector’s address, Mr. Ono Masuo (Consul General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City), Mr. Yoshioka Norihiko (Director of The Japan Foundation in Vietnam), and Mr. Karasawa Masayuki (Representative of JICA Ho Chi Minh City Office) delivered congratulatory remarks. The speakers extended warm congratulations to the faculty and students of the Faculty of Japanese Studies and acknowledged its enduring and pioneering role in fostering mutual understanding between Vietnam and Japan. They commended the Faculty’s comprehensive training programs, in-depth research, and cultural and academic exchange initiatives, all of which have significantly contributed to deepening bilateral cooperation. The representatives also expressed their commitment to further supporting and expanding collaborative efforts in education, research, and student exchange in the future.

Mr. Ono Masuo, Consul General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City, delivers congratulatory remarks – Photo: THU THAO

Mr. Yoshioka Norihiko, Director of The Japan Foundation in Vietnam, speaks at the event – Photo: THU THAO

Mr. Karasawa Masayuki, JICA representative in Ho Chi Minh City – Photo: THU THAO

The Rector expresses gratitude to Japanese diplomatic and government organizations for their continued support – Photo: THU THAO

The ceremony was not only an occasion to reflect on the development journey of the Faculty of Japanese Studies, but also a solemn moment to honor those who laid the foundation for its current success — generations of university and faculty leaders throughout the years. The event welcomed the return of distinguished lecturers such as Prof. Dr. Sc. Trần Ngọc Thêm, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoàng Văn Việt, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Tiến Lực, and many others who have long been devoted to the discipline. Their presence created a profound moment of intergenerational connection, symbolizing a sacred convergence between past and present. More than a reunion, it marked the continuity of an intellectual legacy and the enduring journey of knowledge transmission.

Faculty representatives present tokens of appreciation to former university and faculty leaders – Photo: THU THAO

In his heartfelt speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tien Luc, former Head of the Faculty, reflected on the Faculty’s three-decade evolution. He emphasized that its achievements are the result of unity across generations of lecturers and students, coupled with invaluable support from both domestic and international partners. He expressed deep gratitude to these stakeholders and highlighted the critical guidance provided by institutional leadership as well as the significant, often underrecognized, contributions of Japanese lecturers. He concluded with the hope that the Faculty will continue to uphold its core values, enhance training and research quality, expand partnerships, and assert its role as a leading center for Japanese Studies in Southern Vietnam.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tien Luc, former Dean, speaks on behalf of former leaders – Photo: THU THAO

One of the most poignant moments of the event was the address by Mr. Suzuki Kazuyuki, a long-serving Japanese lecturer who, despite having retired and returned to Japan, remains actively connected to the Faculty’s academic initiatives and the Tonichi Japanese Language Club. His presence embodied the cross-border dedication and enduring ties between educators and the institution. In addition, a moving speech by alumnus Mr. Nguyen Quang Nhut (Class of 2003) highlighted the lasting bond between students and the Faculty—a connection sustained not only through academic experience but also through a shared mission to extend the Faculty’s values into the broader community and future generations.

Mr. Suzuki Kazuyuki, a long-serving Japanese lecturer, shared remarks at the event – Photo: THU THAO

Mr. Nguyen Quang Nhut, alumnus from the Class of 2003, delivered a speech during the ceremony – Photo: THU THAO

As part of the event, commemorative tokens were presented to longstanding corporate sponsors and partners. Companies such as YRGLM Vietnam, Ehle Vietnam, Vietnam Suzuki, AXIS, FPT Software, Koshi, and Itoen Vietnam were honored not only for their sponsorship but also for their strategic collaboration in student development and research. These partnerships have significantly enhanced the applied nature and practical relevance of the Japanese Studies training programs.

Faculty leadership presented commemorative plaques to partner organizations – Photo: THU THAO

Established in 1994 as a division under the Faculty of Oriental Studies, Japanese Studies has steadily asserted its role in East Asian studies in Southern Vietnam. Responding to increasing societal demand for Japan-knowledgeable professionals and the expansion of international cooperation, the unit was elevated to faculty status in 2015.

From modest beginnings, the Faculty has grown into one of the nation's leading institutions in Japanese Studies. With over 4,000 graduates—many of whom are now employed in diplomatic missions, international organizations, universities, research institutes, and businesses in both Vietnam and Japan—the Faculty has also initiated numerous programs to promote academic exchange, cultural dialogue, and corporate linkages between the two countries..