Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan – Head of the Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City attended the SHIBUI – The Sensory Intersection event in Ho Chi Minh City. The program offered a space to experience Japanese culture through a combination of visual arts, music, cuisine, space, and emotions.
The highlight of the event was the introduction of the spirit of Shibui – a distinctive Japanese aesthetic concept that emphasizes simple, restrained, subtle, and profound beauty. Without ostentation, Shibui guides people toward slow perception, the ability to recognize beauty in seemingly ordinary things, and harmony between external form and internal values.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan highly appreciated how the program conveyed Japanese cultural values through contemporary artistic language and multisensory experiences. This approach helps the public not only observe but also directly feel the Japanese aesthetic spirit, thereby broadening their understanding of the culture, lifestyle, and mindset of Japanese people in modern society.
In addition to cultural exchange and experience activities, responding to the call of the Organizing Committee, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan contributed to the Children's Support Fund. This activity demonstrated companionship with the humanitarian significance of the program, contributing to spreading the spirit of sharing and responsibility toward the community.
The Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City is one of the pioneering units in training Japanese Studies in Vietnam with more than 30 years of formation and development. The training program focuses on equipping learners with comprehensive knowledge of Japanese language, history, culture, society, and people; while strengthening academic connections, international exchanges, and practical experiences for learners.
Participating in cultural events such as SHIBUI contributes to linking research and training with contemporary life, while opening up more opportunities for cooperation between the university and cultural, creative organizations and businesses. Thereby, the Faculty of Oriental Studies continues to affirm its role in training human resources with knowledge of Japan and promoting Vietnam – Japan cultural exchange.
