During an interview with the Vietnam News Agency, Furuta spoke highly of the Vietnamese culture and people, which left a lasting impression on him when he first visited Hanoi in December 1974.
Vietnamese culture is characterized by seemingly contrasting elements that coexist harmoniously. The patriotism of the Vietnamese people, as demonstrated by their continuous struggles against foreign invaders, is a well-known trait recognized worldwide. Furthermore, Vietnam’s openness to embracing the positive aspects of other cultures is evident in its efforts to integrate into the global community while preserving its national identity.
During the national conference on culture in 2021, held to implement the resolutions of the 13th National Party Congress, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong emphasized the significance of culture as the spiritual foundation of society and the internal strength of the country. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on building and developing culture, which entails cultivating individuals with integrity and a good lifestyle, as well as fostering a healthy cultural environment.
In relation to Vietnam’s goal of becoming a developed country by 2045, with an emphasis on culture, Furuta believes that a country with a rich culture but an underdeveloped economy will struggle to preserve its cultural heritage. Similarly, a developed and economically prosperous nation that fails to satisfy its people’s spiritual needs will face internal instability.
Given this perspective, the viewpoint expressed by General Secretary Trong aligns with Vietnam’s current development period, as observed by Professor Furuta.
The 13th National Party Congress has set a new task of developing cultural industries and perfecting the cultural market. This involves comprehensive and harmonious development of culture in relation to economic growth and social progress.
Regarding the impact of this new task on Vietnam-Japan relations, particularly in cultural cooperation, Furuta emphasizes the importance of building an equitable partnership in future bilateral relations between the two countries.
Furuta perceives that “soft power” will play a vital role in establishing equitable partnerships among countries in East Asia, including Vietnam and Japan.
Moreover, he expressed his hope that Vietnam will nurture strong cultural industries to enhance its regional standing and foster an equitable partnership with Japan.
Art programme to welcome Lunar New Year’s Eve
NDO – A special art programme, bringing together many renowned and world-class artists from abroad, who are returning to Vietnam for the first time with their families to participate in the Lunar New Year’s Eve programme, which will be officially broadcasted on Vietnam Television (VTV) at 9:15 pm on January 24 (the Lunar New Year’s Eve).
“Japanese Culture Festival” opens in Da Nang city
NDO/VNA – The Da Nang Museum held the “Japanese Culture Festival” 2019 in the central city of Da Nang on March 10 to introduce the beauty of the culture, land and people of Japan to locals and visitors, thus contributing to the strengthening of cultural exchange between the two countries and bilateral friendship.
Ninh Binh Tourism Week 2018 opens
NDO – The Ninh Binh Tourism Week 2018 officially opened at the Tam Coc – Bich Dong Tourism Area and Trang An Ecotourism Area, in the northern province of Ninh Binh on June 9.
Dong Thap hosts its first lotus festival
NDO – The first Lotus Festival opened at Van Mieu Park in Cao Lanh city located in the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap on September 1.
Vietnamese durian introduced to Australia
A ceremony to open the 2019 Vietnamese Durian Tasting Roadshow was held in Sydney, Australia on Oct. 29. The show offered durian to people to boost Vietnamese durian’s reputation in Australia.
