Hanoi (VNA)🍒 – A new book detailing the 50-year history of Vietnam – Japan relations was officially unveiled in Hanoi on March 18, offering an in-depth look at the evolution of bilateral ties, the challenges faced, and the remarkable transformation of cooperation between the two nations.

This publication marks more than five decades of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan, with contributions from 10 authors, mostly experts from the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS) and the Institute of Northeast Asian Studies (VASS-INAS). The work was edited by Professor Furuta Motoo, President of the Vietnam – Japan University, and Professor Tran Van Tho of the Waseda University.

The book delves into the relationship between the two countries across three key historical phases. The first phase, a period of quiet (1973–1991), witnessed the challenges faced in the context of global and regional political dynamics, but also laid the groundwork for future cooperation. The second phase, a period of recovery (1992–2001), marked a time of significant growth, especially in economic ties, with Japan emerging as one of Vietnam’s leading trade and investment partners. The third phase, a period of development (2002–2023), saw the relationship transform into an extensive strategic partnership, with deepened cooperation across the fields of politics, economy, culture, and education. The book is divided into five insightful chapters: the foundation of Vietnam – Japan relations, the establishment of diplomatic ties and the ups and downs (1973–1991), the blossoming of relations (1992–2001), the strong development of bilateral ties (2002–2023), and a retrospective analysis of the 50 years of relations, with an eye toward the future.

Addressing the event, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki said in the past five decades, the two nations have shifted from an aid-based relationship to one of mutual trust, strategic cooperation, and important and equal partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and globally. He noted that the lessons recorded in the book will serve as a crucial source of reference for policymakers, businesses, scholars, and students who are interested in the Vietnam – Japan partnership. According to Dr. Tran Hoang Long, Deputy Director of VASS's Institute of Northeast Asian Studies, the book is not only a thorough compilation of the bilateral relationship but also an essential resource for developing curricula on Vietnam – Japan relations for universities and graduate programmes in Vietnam.

He pointed out that no other book or textbook in Vietnam offers such a comprehensive, systematic examination of the relationship across all fields. To bridge this gap in research and education, the book authors, all researchers at the Institute of Northeast Asian Studies, undertook the initiative to create this scholarly work to commemorate 50 years of Vietnam-Japan relations. In the coming months, the book will be distributed for free to key universities and research institutes across Vietnam through the Institute of Northeast Asian Studies, to support teaching and research efforts./.