The Japanese consul general in Da Nang, Yakabe Yoshinori, on Wednesday visited the headquarters of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper in Ho Chi Minh City.

At the meeting with the Japanese diplomat, Tuoi Tre editor-in-chief Le The Chu expressed his delight at the development of Vietnam - Japan relations in the context that the two countries are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations establishment (1973 - 2023).

The newspaper affirmed its willingness to cover Japan's activities during this anniversary.

According to Chu, the visits of the prime minister of Japan to Vietnam, the prime minister of Vietnam or high-ranking Vietnamese leaders to Japan always attract the great attention of Tuoi Tre readers.

In addition, other topics such as Vietnam - Japan economic relations, job opportunities in Japan, tourism, study abroad, as well as cultural exchange activities between the two countries are also favored by readers.

During the meetup, Consul General Yakabe shared upcoming plans on the 50th anniversary occasion.

They include a cultural exchange festival between Japan and Vietnam in Da Nang, and a Hoi An - Japan fest in Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province. 

Local colleges which teach Japanese language are also working on their plans on exchange activities. 

The diplomat hoped the anniversary to be an opportunity for the people of the two countries to look back on the history of the Vietnam-Japan relations, with important events such as the story of 700 Japanese veterans who did not return home after World War II, but chose to stay in Vietnam to join the resistance war against the French.

Another activity for the celebration is an opera entitled 'Princess Anio,' which will be organized at the Hanoi Opera House in September. 

Promoting Japan - central Vietnam relations

Yakabe also emphasized Da Nang’s important strategic position in Japan's 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' policy.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the Japanese government attaches great importance to strengthening ties with the central region of Vietnam, including Da Nang City.

Da Nang is the starting point of the East-West Economic Corridor -- a regional initiative that connects Vietnam with Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar, from Da Nang to Yangon (Myanmar), the Japanese diplomat said.

The central region of Vietnam is at an advantage in attracting investment from Japanese enterprises, thanks to its abundant labor source, low labor cost, and reasonable land rent in industrial parks, Yakabe remarked.

There are reportedly about 500 Japanese citizens living and 300 Japanese enterprises operating in nine central provinces and cities under the administration of the Japanese Consulate General in Da Nang. 

The Japanese government wants to further promote the number of Japanese businesses interested in investing in Vietnam’s central region.

In addition to the importance of economic relations with the Japanese government, Da Nang is adjacent to the East Vietnam Sea, so the city also plays a very important role in terms of security and defense to Japan.

In recent years, many ships of Japan's maritime self-defense force and coast guard have visited Tien Sa Port in Da Nang, and more are expected to come in the near future.

The Consulate General of Japan in Da Nang affirmed that it will actively promote the development of relations between Japan and the central region, not only in terms of cultural and economic exchanges, but also exchanges on security and national defense, toward more inclusive development.

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