Drawing and Writing Contest Focused on Japan to Strengthen Japan-Vietnam Friendship

School students in the central city participated in a writing and painting contest from March 30 to May 30 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Japan and Vietnam. The contest was organized by the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Association, with the aim of promoting the countries’ strong bond. At the end of the event, Hanoi was presented with cherry blossom trees as a symbol of their deep friendship.

The contest, titled “Da Nang School Students Joining Hands in Strengthening the Japan-Vietnam Friendship,” is an opportunity for Da Nang students to showcase their knowledge and understanding of the unique relationship between Japan and Vietnam. The contest aims to bring the two countries closer together by fostering understanding and appreciation of each other’s cultures and values. Participants will be required to write an essay focusing on the historical, economic, political, and cultural ties between the two countries. The contest is open to all Da Nang school students, from elementary to high school. The winning entries will receive a monetary prize and will be featured in a national publication. We hope this contest will be an inspiring and memorable experience for all participants, and that it will help to further strengthen the Japan-Vietnam friendship.

Children join an outdoor reading session at the Japanese-styled Sakura Kindergarten in Da Nang. Photo: VNA

Around 10,000 students from primary, secondary, and high school will have the opportunity to submit their artwork and essays to Japan for selection from June 5 to June 30.

As part of a series of activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Viet Nam and Japan (September 21), this contest aims to contribute to enhancing understanding, friendship, and cooperation between Da Nang and the people of Japan. It is also intended to help local students, especially those in senior high school, to gain an understanding of the 50-year history between the two countries.

The contest is open to all school pupils throughout the city. Entries must demonstrate love and admiration for Japan’s country, people, and culture, as well as feature cultural exchange activities between Vietnamese and Japanese pupils and diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Japan. Participants should strive to demonstrate the mutual respect and understanding between the two countries and their citizens. By taking part in this contest, pupils have the potential to strengthen the bond between our two nations and foster a better future for generations to come.

All entrants must ensure that their work is original, and that they have the right to submit it. They must also provide information such as the title of the work, the author’s name, the school name, grade level, school and home address, and telephone number.

Creating art requires the right tools and materials. For paintings, it is essential to have A3-sized white papers, as well as a selection of colors like crayons, gouache, oil paints, or watercolors. With these materials, artists can express their creativity and make beautiful works of art.

Photo: Bao Danang

The best paintings and writings in Vietnamese or Japanese will be honored with awards at a ceremony in July.

Da Nang has become the first city in central Vietnam to foster cooperation with Japanese partners in the area of high-quality human resource training. Over 450 students from Dong A University in Da Nang have taken up employment in Japan as a result of this initiative.

The first Japanese language and culture research centre in the Central and Central Highlands region was established at the university. Here, students can learn about the history, culture, and language of Japan, enabling them to gain a deeper understanding of the country. The centre provides research opportunities, as well as language classes and other activities. Additionally, the centre organizes cultural events to promote cultural exchange and understanding between the locals and the Japanese. This centre is an invaluable asset to the university, providing students with a unique educational experience.

Japan has recently upgraded its Consulate Office in Da Nang city to a Consulate General, in an effort to strengthen trade, tourism, investment, and relationships with the central city and the entire central region. This move follows two years of successful establishment of the office.

Japanese Consul General in Da Nang, Yakabe Yoshinori, praised the initiative as a positive step forward, expressing Japan’s gratitude for the significant contribution Da Nang has made. He stated that Japan highly values the city’s role in the region.

He stated that Da Nang plays an essential role in Japan’s diplomatic and economic policies, as it serves as an entrance to the East Sea and a bridge between the East-West Economic Corridors that connect Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar with the southern economic corridor.

English:
In Lien Chieu district, 12 primary and seven junior secondary schools implemented a foreign language teaching program from 2012 to 2020. Japanese was one of the languages taught as part of this program.

The coastal city of Da Nang and its neighbouring provinces are home to an estimated 440 Japanese residents. To cater to this population, there are currently 60 Japanese restaurants that operate in the area.

Da Nang and Hoi An have been hosting the annual Japan-Vietnam Cultural Exchange Day since 2014. This event is an opportunity for people from both countries to come together and celebrate the unique cultures, customs, and traditions of both nations. Attendees can learn traditional dances and songs, participate in art activities, and even sample regional cuisine. The Japan-Vietnam Cultural Exchange Day is designed to strengthen the already deep bond between the two countries and foster understanding between their people. It promotes friendship and cooperation between Japan and Vietnam, making it an important event for both countries.