Bridges: What recent initiatives have had the most impact on Japan-Vietnam relations?
Ambassador Ito: In April this year, Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru paid an official visit to Viet Nam, where he held talks with General-Secretary of the Communist Party To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and other high-level leaders of Viet Nam. Prime Minister Ishiba expressed his strong support for the direction of the reform facilitated by General-Secretary To Lam and stated that Japan will continue to be an indispensable partner and work closely with Viet Nam to advance its further development.
During Prime Minister Ishiba’s meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, both sides agreed to position cooperation in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation (DX) as the new pillars of bilateral relations. These areas are the key drivers propelling Viet Nam’s next phase of economic growth.
Specifically, Viet Nam has set an ambitious goal of training 500 doctoral students in the semiconductor field by 2030. Japan expressed that it would accept around 250 students, half the total number, through international joint research programs between Japanese and Vietnamese universities. This autumn, the program is scheduled to start with 5 participating universities. In addition, Viet Nam Japan University jointly founded by Japan and Viet Nam will launch an undergraduate “Semiconductor Chip Technology Program” this autumn and has already begun recruiting students.
In the field of green transformation (GX) and energy, bilateral cooperation is also progressing under Japan’s Asia Zero Emissions Community (AZEC) platform. The two countries will cooperate in promoting 15 energy investment projects, totaling approximately 20 billion USD, including renewable energy projects such as offshore wind power and LNG thermal power generation.
How do you see Expo 2025 enhancing the relationship between Japan and Viet Nam?
On September 9, which is Viet Nam’s National Day at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan will welcome Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long as a distinguished guest. It will serve as an opportunity to jointly celebrate the success of the Expo and to reaffirm the partnership between the two countries. As Deputy Prime Minister Long has the experience of studying at Nagoya University, I expect to further promote bilateral ties in cooperation with those who have a deep understanding of both countries, just as Deputy Prime Minister Long does.
The Viet Nam Pavilion has become one of the most popular attractions at the Expo, drawing long queues every day. Utilizing digital technology and AI, the Viet Nam Pavilion creates a space where visitors can realistically experience and deeply understand Viet Nam’s traditional arts and cultural heritage. It also showcases recycled products such as food containers made from agricultural produce as contribution to future global environment, as well as activities of leading Vietnamese companies such as FPT, Vingroup and Viettel. The Viet Nam Pavilion stands as an ideal place to deepen understanding of Viet Nam in a wide range of areas from culture to business, while remaining in Japan.
The Osaka–Kansai Expo also serves as a window into the latest scientific and technological innovations of Japan and the world. For Vietnamese visitors, it could be a place to gain many insights for the country’s socio-economic development. I hope many people will take this opportunity to visit Japan and visit various places across the country.
Last year, around 710,000 Japanese people visited Viet Nam, while approximately 620,000 Vietnamese people visited Japan. In the first half of this year alone (by the end of June), the number of Vietnamese visitors to Japan increased by about 10% compared to the same period in the previous year. I hope that the number of Vietnamese people visiting Japan and Japanese people visiting Viet Nam will exceed one million respectively by 2030.
How does the Embassy support Japanese businesses in Viet Nam, and what opportunities do you see for more economic collaboration?
Japan ranks as the third-largest investor in Viet Nam, with cumulative investment reaching 77.7 billion USD. Annual trade volume has increased 1.8 times over the past decade and is poised to reach 50 billion USD. Today, more than 2,000 Japanese companies are operating in Viet Nam. As Viet Nam continues to achieve steady economic growth, it is gaining greater significance. Many Japanese firms choose Viet Nam as the country to strategically promote new investment and expand operation.
Under the leadership of General-Secretary To Lam, Viet Nam is now striving to greatly leap for the “New Era.” The reforms for the New Era cover a wide range of areas, from private sector promotion, digital and green transformation (DX and GX), to science and technology innovation in semiconductors. As these are the areas positioned as the pillars of bilateral cooperation between Japan and Viet Nam, Japan will continue to cooperate with Viet Nam in advancing these reforms. For Japanese companies, these reforms bring significant opportunities, and they look forward to the improvement of their business environment.
For more than 30 years, Japanese companies have not only created jobs in Viet Nam but also transferred technology and knowledge and facilitated the growth of supporting industries. Moving forward, they expect to contribute further by providing technological and knowledge cooperation in addition to employment and investment, thereby strengthening industries and developing human resources. Ultimately, these reforms are expected to bring about an even closer and broader Japan–Viet Nam partnership.
For more than 30 years, Japanese companies have not only created jobs in Viet Nam but also transferred technology and knowledge and facilitated the growth of supporting industries.
Ito Naoki, Ambassador of Japan to Vietnam
Viet Nam’s economy recorded a GDP growth rate of 7.52% in the first half of 2025, the highest first-half performance in 15 years since 2011. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has set an ambitious full-year growth target of 8.3~8.5%. Taking this growth into account, Japanese companies are continuing to expand their investment in Viet Nam.
Manufacturing remains a major driver, contributing significantly with a first-half GDP growth rate of 10.11%. In particular, Japanese companies’ interest in the semiconductor sector is growing rapidly. Rorze Robotech, which operates a factory in Hai Phong, is expanding its operations and is currently investing around 300 million USD in a new facility to produce semiconductor manufacturing robots. Furthermore, in April this year, Tokuyama began construction of a plant for polycrystalline silicon used in semiconductor production.
In terms of infrastructure, Japanese enterprises have long contributed to Viet Nam’s development through both ODA and private investment. Looking ahead, they aim to continue supporting Viet Nam’s urban development by addressing challenges such as congestion and air pollution brought about by rapid growth. This includes enhancing public transportation, particularly the construction of urban railway systems, as well as training the human resources needed to operate them. With the opening of Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 1 and achievement of reaching 10 million passengers within 6 months after the opening, Japan remains committed to contributing to further development of infrastructure in the country.
What do you foresee for the future of Japan’s friendship with Viet Nam?
The bonds of trust and friendship between Japan and Viet Nam have never been stronger. In March this year, the Japan–Viet Nam Festival held in Ho Chi Minh City attracted about 430,000 visitors, while the Viet Nam Festival 2025 held from late May to early June in Tokyo welcomed around 140,000 participants. The Vietnamese community in Japan has now grown to 630,000 people, making it the second-largest foreign community in the country. Moreover, more than 100 partnerships have already been established between Japanese and Vietnamese local governments, adding further depth and diversity to bilateral relations through vibrant regional exchanges.
Travel activities between the two countries continue to increase, ushering in an era in which Japanese and Vietnamese people not only interact but also live together in the same cities. Japanese language education has been introduced in primary and secondary schools across Viet Nam, with around 170,000 learners—ranking sixth in the world. At the Faculty of Japanese Studies at Viet Nam National University of Foreign Languages, Japanese language education is thriving with over 50% of graduates achieving the highest-level N1 certification. Meanwhile, the number of Japanese people studying Vietnamese is also on the rise. Cultural similarities between Japanese and Vietnamese further stimulate dynamic exchanges, while a positive cycle is emerging in which Vietnamese talents gain skills in Japan, return home, and put their expertise to use in Viet Nam.
The bonds of trust and friendship between Japan and Viet Nam have never been stronger.
Japanese pop culture such as manga and anime is already popular in Viet Nam, and it is expected that the number of young Japanese people who develop an appreciation for Vietnamese culture will increase in the future. Recently, celebrated Vietnamese singer Tung Duong received the International Special Award at Music Awards Japan, the country’s most prestigious international music prize. Having had the opportunity to meet him, I believe that the day is not far off when young people from both countries will stand side by side at concerts and cultural events. By then, Viet Nam may well be regarded as one of the countries closest to the hearts of the Japanese people.
With rich natural beauty and distinctive culture, Viet Nam is positioned as an exceptional travel destination. Not only urban areas but also other localities offer their own unique charms, such as Sapa and Mu Cang Chai with stunning terraced rice fields. Viet Nam is home to nine World Heritage sites, and most recently, on July 12 this year, the Yen Tu-Vinh Nghiem-Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex of Monuments and Landscapes was inscribed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. This recognition provides an excellent opportunity to showcase Viet Nam’s appeal to the world.
Reflecting on your experiences, what have been some of your most memorable moments during your time in Vietnam thus far?
Since assuming my duties as Ambassador of Japan to Viet Nam on May 17 last year, I have had the opportunity to visit numerous provinces and cities across Viet Nam, from Cao Bang in the north to Ca Mau in the south. Each region has its own natural beauty and distinctive charm. I was particularly struck by scenes that sometimes reminded me of Japan, such as the terraced rice fields of Sapa and Mu Cang Chai, or the rice cakes made of green rice.
Equally unforgettable are the strong spirits of the Vietnamese people I met in different regions and the bright smiles of the children. Everywhere I traveled, I felt the vitality that permeates Vietnamese society, as well as the confidence and hope that people hold for the country’s future.
Everywhere I traveled, I felt the vitality that permeates Vietnamese society, as well as the confidence and hope that people hold for the country’s future.
Among the many memorable experiences, one that stood out was my visit to Ho Chi Minh City at the end of April this year to attend the parade marking the 50th anniversary of national reunification. What left the deepest impression on me was the sight of young Vietnamese people – the future of this nation – celebrating with great excitement, singing throughout the night to the tunes of “Việt Nam, Hồ Chí Minh” and “Viết tiếp câu chuyện hoà bình”. It was a moving expression of youthful energy, celebrating Viet Nam’s peace and growth while supporting its onward journey of development.
Another highlight was the honor of being invited to the 3rd Da Nang Asian Film Festival this year, where I attended both the opening and closing ceremonies. Blessed with abundant natural beauty along the sea and enriched by history and culture, Da Nang provided a stunning background for this event. The festival brought together filmmakers and audiences from Viet Nam and around the world, creating a remarkable platform for cultural exchange. I was left with a strong impression that the festival holds immense potential for further growth in the years to come.
www.vn.emb-japan.go.jp
Đại sứ quán Nhật Bản tại Việt Nam – 在ベトナム日本国大使館
