

On the afternoon of October 21, 2025, the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV) had the honor of welcoming a delegation from Gunma Prefecture (Japan) led by Governor Ichita Yamamoto, along with representatives from the local government and businesses, to an official visit and working session with the Academy.
Attending the meeting, on the Academy’s side were Dr. Nguyen Hung Son, President of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, and other senior officials, faculty members, and students.
Strengthening Vietnam-Japan Educational Cooperation
In his remarks, President Nguyen Hung Son expressed his honor to welcome the Gunma delegation and affirmed the strong cooperative relationship between Japan and Vietnam, especially in the field of education and training.
The President noted a rapid increase in the number of students studying Japanese language and enrolling in Japanese Studies at the Academy, reflecting a growing interest in the Japanese culture, people and cooperation between Japan and Vietnam. He emphasized that the Academy continues to expand its international collaboration through exchange programs, joint seminars, and research initiatives with global partners.
Enhancing Partnership with Gunma Prefecture
In response, Governor Yamamoto expressed his sympathies to the Vietnamese people over the damages caused by storms No. 11 and 12, and reaffirmed Gunma Prefecture’s close ties with Vietnam.
Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation signed between the DAV and Gunma Prefecture in August 2022, seven students from the Academy visited Gunma in July 2024 for an academic exchange. Governor Yamamoto highly valued the competence, professionalism, and attitude of the students from the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, and expressed his desire to further expand cooperation in training, student exchange, and hosting international interns, aiming for a more sustainable and substantive partnership.
Expanding Learning and Scholarship Opportunities
Representatives from Gunma Bank and local enterprises shared information about their policies on hosting interns, recruiting high-quality human resources, and offering scholarships to Vietnamese students. Gunma Bank has already established a representative office in Ho Chi Minh City and is actively seeking bilingual Vietnamese-Japanese talent.

During the session, Ms. Hoàng Mai Hương – Head of Undergraduate Affairs Office– announced that the Academy plans to launch a Japanese Studies major next year. This initiative aims to promote educational cooperation and create more opportunities for students in terms of study, internships, and employment.
Cultural Exchange – A Bridge of Friendship
To conclude the visit, the Gunma delegation toured the Academy’s Japanese Tea Ceremony Room, United Nations Corridor, Geneva Room, and other cultural spaces – all symbols of international integration and cooperation.

The meeting took place in a warm, friendly, and cooperative atmosphere, affirming both sides’ commitment to enhancing educational cooperation, student exchange, and academic research, thereby contributing to a stronger and more effective and sustainable Vietnam -Japan friendship./.
Phuong Anh - Trong Nghia