FAVIJA Chairman, Do Quang Ba.

Can you tell our readers some outstanding activities that FAVIJA has organized?

FAVIJA was launched in 2018, on the 45th anniversary of Vietnam and Japan's diplomatic relations. We are proud that after five years of operation, we are now a forum that connects the governments and peoples of the two countries.

We have 300 Vietnamese football teams operating throughout Japan. Friendly tournaments between Vietnamese and Japanese teams form a vibrant atmosphere that unites compatriots and strengthens the close friendship between the expats and the locals.

We have established a separate Vietnamese badminton association in Japan (BAVIJA). Badminton tournaments are held annually in different regions. We also have an annual national championship. Most provinces in Japan have established member badminton clubs.

Five regional karate associations and nearly 20 regional clubs are operating right now. The associations regularly perform in cultural and sports exchange events held by FAVIJA and other Vietnamese associations. They send athletes to professional tournaments in Japan and have earned remarkable achievements.

FAVIJA is working to establish a table tennis association (PIVIJA) in mid-2023 to increase the number of sports events in the commemorative program on the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan relations.

FAVIJA has developed and grown in both size and form to become a reliable address for Vietnamese. We answer questions related to Japanese regulations and laws and provide guidelines for health issues, or procedures for hospitalization, medical examination, and treatment. We cooperate with trade unions and enterprises in Japan to introduce career opportunities for the Vietnamese in Japan. We support start-up consulting programs for Vietnamese young people in Japan.

Through sports events and cultural and artistic exchanges, we call on the community to donate to help the unfortunate people, who become unemployed due to the pandemic, and who suffer a critical illness, labor accident, or death. We also provide translation and interpretation.

FAVIJA organizes an annual Japanese-speaking contest for Vietnamese people. We introduce volunteer Japanese teachers to universities and Japanese language centers in Vietnam.

In the coming time, we will develop other sports activities to meet the strengths and demands of the majority of the Vietnamese community in Japan. We plan to establish Vovinam martial arts club, with the hope that Vietnam's traditional sport will be held in international arenas. We look to strengthen support for domestic agencies, organizations, and sports training centers to quickly access Japan's scientific and technical advances in sports medicine, sports economy, etc.

FAVIJA was established in 2018, at the 45th anniversary of Vietnam - Japan relations.

How do cultural and sports activities benefit the Vietnamese community in Japan?

Currently, nearly 500,000 Vietnamese people live in Japan. They need a forum for healthy entertainment. Cultural, sports, and art activities benefit their physical and mental health, while also bringing them opportunities to learn from each other and support each other in difficult times.

By participating in cultural exchange activities, they better understand traditional values. Those activities also help to introduce Vietnamese culture to Japanese people and bring the Vietnamese expats and Japanese locals closer.

Besides, this helps to foster affection and solidarity in the Viet community. They are bonding occasions to strengthen the respect between teachers and students, employees and employers, among colleagues, which is essential for the sustainable development of any organization or business.

What do the Japanese see through cultural and sports activities of the Vietnamese community?

They see the industrious, intelligent, friendly, united, and honest nature of Vietnamese people. They see the similarities between the two peoples. They have a more comprehensive view of Vietnam and its people.

Which activities will FAVIJA deploy to strengthen the friendship between the two countries on the anniversary year?

One of the activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries is the 2023 FAVIJA KANTO CUP football tournament. Besides, the Association organizes the Vietnam Festival at Yoyogi Park (Tokyo) in June 2023.

FAVIJA and the Faculty of Japanese Language and Culture at Dong A University will coordinate to implement a project to develop Japanese comic culture in Vietnam, build a comic club, and look to establish a comic department at the university.

Party Officials Receive Japanese Communist Party Delegation Vietnam and Japan communist parties exchange to boost cooperation.

Japanese Investors Learn More About Vietnamese Property Market Japanese investors have been interested in the property market in Vietnam.

Central City of Da Nang Stimulates Investment in Japan The central city of Da Nang introduced the environment, investment potential, business and tourism to Japanese businesses.