Celebration of Emperor Naruhito's birthday highlights strengthened Vietnam–Japan comprehensive strategic partnership
WVR - On the evening of March 3, in Hanoi, the Embassy of Japan held a formal reception to celebrate the 66th birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito (1960-2026), highlighting strengthened Vietnam–Japan comprehensive strategic partnership.
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| Delegates attending the ceremony. (Photo: An Dng) |
Attending the ceremony were Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung, Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu, along with numerous representatives from ministries, sectors, localities, businesses, and the diplomatic corps.
In his opening remarks, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki extended his warmest congratulations to the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. He noted that General Secretary To Lam reaffirmed the determination to realize the "national development era", laying the groundwork for strong economic development through the establishment of a "New Growth Model".
Ambassador Ito Naoki recalled the Emperor’s memorable visit to Vietnam 17 years ago when he was Crown Prince, and expressed his admiration for the country’s remarkable development achievements.
According to Ambassador Naoki, the current reform efforts present an opportunity to further enhance bilateral economic cooperation. Over the past decade, the total trade turnover between Vietnam and Japan has increased by approximately 80%, officially surpassing the 50 billion USD mark in 2025. Japan's foreign direct investment (FDI) in Vietnam in 2025 also exceeded 3 billion USD, up 13% from 2024.
Japan has been actively supporting Vietnam's reform efforts, as these steps will also open up many opportunities for Japanese businesses to expand their operations. The Land of the Rising Sun is committed to continuing to stand by Vietnam to support the country in achieving its two centennial goals. Additionally, the two countries have launched new cooperation pillars in science and technology, innovation, green transformation (GX), digital transformation (DX), and have implemented human resource development programs in AI and the semiconductor industry.
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| Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki stated that over the past decade, the total trade turnover between the two countries has increased by approximately 80%, officially surpassing the $50 billion mark in 2025. (Photo: An Đăng) |
The Ambassador also noted that based on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World, defense and security cooperation between the two nations has reached new heights. In December 2025, the two countries held the 2-2 diplomatic-defense dialogue at the Deputy Minister level in Tokyo. Military exchanges were vibrant, with the visit of the training ship SUZUNAMI to Da Nang (March 2025) and the naval ship 015 Tran Hung Dao to Kure port (December 2025).
Praising and welcoming Vietnam's key messages on "Strategic self-reliance" and "Deep International Integration" at the 14th Party Congress, Ambassador Naoki expressed his desire for Japan to continue closely collaborating with Vietnam to contribute to peace and prosperity in a rapidly changing world.
"Japan will continue to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) to uphold universal values such as the rule of law, peaceful resolution of disputes, freedom of navigation, and protection of human rights. Japan sees Vietnam as a crucial partner in realizing FOIP," the Ambassador emphasized.
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| Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung affirmed that Japan remains Vietnam's top economic partner: Leading in official development assistance (ODA), second in labour cooperation, third in investment and tourism, and fourth in trade. (Photo: An Dang) |
For his part, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung affirmed that after nearly 53 years of diplomatic relations (1973-2026) and over two years of upgrading to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World (2023-2026), Vietnam–Japan relations have developed in a comprehensive, substantive, and effective manner across all fields, with a high level of political trust.
The relationship between the two countries is considered a successful model of bilateral cooperation for Vietnam with its partners. Japan continues to be Vietnam's top economic partner: Leading in official development assistance (ODA), second in labor cooperation, third in investment and tourism, and fourth in trade. In 2025, bilateral trade turnover surpassed the $50 billion mark for the first time. Local cooperation and people-to-people exchanges are deepening, contributing to a sustainable social foundation for bilateral relations.
Notably, according to Minister Nguyen Manh Hung, cooperation in science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation is asserting its role as a strategic pillar, opening new cooperation spaces between the two countries. Vietnam identifies science, technology, and innovation as key drivers to enhance productivity, quality, and competitiveness of the economy.
In this process, Japan, with its strengths in high technology, modern management, and a deeply developed innovation ecosystem, is a particularly important partner for Vietnam. The two sides are promoting extensive cooperation in developing digital infrastructure, next-generation telecommunications 5G, and Open RAN network architecture. Japan is currently a key market for Vietnamese digital technology enterprises.
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| Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung, and Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki raise a toast to celebrate Emperor Naruhito's 66th birthday. (Photo: An Dang) |
Additionally, in the semiconductor field, Vietnam and Japan are expanding cooperation in research and development of material technologies, chip design, and training high-quality human resources, aiming for deeper participation in the global value chain.
In the journey ahead, combining Japan's long-term research and development strengths with Vietnam's technological application and innovation capabilities will create an effective cooperation ecosystem, forming strategic synergy, expanding development space, and contributing to realizing each nation's strategic goals.
Sharing about the success of the recent 14th Party Congress, Minister Nguyen Manh Hung affirmed that Vietnam remains steadfast in its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, and diversification of relations, considering Japan a top, long-term partner and a trusted companion in the development era based on knowledge and technology.
"With a solid foundation of political trust, cultural similarities, and historical ties nurtured over generations, along with the determination of the leaders and people of both countries, I am confident that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Japan will continue to develop strongly, substantively, and effectively, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both countries and contributing positively to the peace, stability, and prosperity of the region and the world," the Minister stated.
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| Ambassador Ito Naoki gave an interviewed to the World and Vietnam Report. (Photo: Ngọc Anh) |
Additionally, sharing with the World and Vietnam Report, Ambassador Ito Naoki stated that the Emperor is the symbol of the nation and the unity of the Japanese people. The Royal Family itself always leads in promoting Japanese culture, including both traditional values and modern aspects.
For him, Vietnam and Japan share profound similarities as both are striving to develop modern culture while preserving traditional identity. Japan, for its part, always maintains traditions and holds the Royal Family in high regard. Thanks to this connection, the Royal Family can preserve and spread the beauty of culture, history, and Japanese values built on a long-standing traditional foundation.
Notably, sharing the meaning of "Reiwa" (Beautiful Harmony) – the era name of the current Emperor, Ambassador Ito Naoki expressed his delight in seeing that the Japanese and Vietnamese people have also created a wonderful harmony. Based on mutual understanding, the two countries are actively promoting cultural links, exchanges, and people-to-people interactions.
In 2025, 810,000 Japanese visited Vietnam, and 680,000 Vietnamese traveled to Japan. The Ambassador hopes that by 2030, this number will reach 2 million visitors.
"However, I believe the most important thing is that we are striving to realize the spirit of harmony between the two nations. I am also confident that from this foundation, we will further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," the Japanese Ambassador emphasized.
Some products displayed at the event
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