Strong cultural industries to help raise Vietnam’s regional stature: Japanese professor
Strong cultural industries will help promote Vietnam’s stature in the region, said Prof. Furuta Motoo, Rector of the Vietnam Japan University under the Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
Professor Furuta Motoo, Rector of the Vietnam Japan University. (Photo: vnu.edu.vn)
Tokyo (VNA) – Strong cultural industries will helppromote Vietnam’s stature in the region, said Prof. Furuta Motoo, Rector of theVietnam Japan University under the Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency, Furutasaid that he was highly impressed with the Vietnamese culture and people righton the first time he set foot in Hanoi in December 1974.
The culture of Vietnam is characterised by factors seeming tobe contrary to each other but co-existing. The Vietnamese people's patriotism,demonstrated by their continuous struggles against foreign invaders, is atypical feature recognised by people around the world. They arealso open to good factors of other countries’ cultures, which can be seen inthe Southeast Asian nation boosting its integration into the world whilebringing into play its national identity, he said.
Atthe national conference on culture held in 2021 to implement the resolution ofthe 13th National Party Congress, Party General Secretary Nguyen PhuTrong noted culture forms the spiritual foundation of society and the internalstrength of the country, and that focus must be paid to building and developingculture, which means developing people with dignity and a good lifestyle andbuilding a healthy cultural environment.
Withregard to Vietnam’s goal of becoming a developed country by 2045 withimportance attached to culture, Furuta perceived that if one country possessesa rich culture but its economy is underdeveloped, it will be hard for thatcountry to maintain its culture. Meanwhile, if people in a developed andeconomically rich country are not spiritually satisfied, that society will alsobecome unstable.
Giventhis, the viewpoint identified by General Secretary Trong is suitable for thecurrent development period of Vietnam, the professor noted.
Vietnam looks to become a developed country by 2045 with importance attached to culture. (Illustrative photo: VNA)
A new task set at the 13th National Party Congressis to develop cultural industries and perfect the cultural market, in whichculture is developed comprehensively and harmoniously in relation to economicgrowth and social progress.
About the new task’s impact on the Vietnam - Japan relations, especially incultural cooperation, he considered the building of an equal partnership in thefuture relationship between the two countries as critically important.
Furuta held that “soft power” will play an active role in theformation of equal partnerships among countries in East Asia, including Vietnamand Japan.
He expressed his hope that Vietnam will develop strongcultural industries to help promote its stature in the region and shape anequal partnership with Japan./.
The National Strategy on the Development of Vietnamese Cultural Industries is a huge effort of the country in realising UNESCO’s Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (Convention 2005).
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has stressed the need for higher determination, stronger efforts and more effective actions from ministries, sectors, localities and organisations to promote the growth of cultural industries, increasing their contributions to the country’s GDP by 2030.
Vietnam is not only a stunning destination for international tourists, thanks to its breathtaking mountains, forests, seas, and islands, but also boasts UNESCO-recognised world heritage items, encompassing both natural and cultural treasures. These cultural treasures have played a significant role in the country’s economic and social development, as they are considered valuable cultural resources.
A national teleconference on the development of Vietnam’s cultural industries was held on December 22 in Hanoi. The first of its kind, the conference held particularly important meaning for the development of Vietnam’s cultural industries.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
These are impressive achievements, not only showing the efforts and prowess of Vietnamese paddlers but also serving as proof of the sports sector’s strategic and systematic investment.
Professor Furuta Motoo, Rector of the Vietnam Japan University. (Photo: vnu.edu.vn) 
Vietnam looks to become a developed country by 2045 with importance attached to culture. (Illustrative photo: VNA) 
