The administration is encouraging education in Japanese for grades three through twelve, while localities will create their own plans to introduce the language as a compulsory subject in specific schools.
On Monday, Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son and Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki signed a framework agreement on teaching Japanese in secondary schools, witnessed by the prime ministers of both nations in Hanoi. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his wife arrived on Sunday for a three-day visit.
The agreement outlines a collaborative effort to enhance Japanese language education over the next decade. Local authorities may choose to implement Japanese as a first foreign language (a mandatory subject) in some primary and secondary schools, depending on student needs and local circumstances. In regions where Japanese is already offered as a second foreign language (an elective), support will be provided to maintain stability in those programs.
Japan will support schools that teach the language by sending specialists to aid in enhancing curricula, writing textbooks, and furnishing learning and reference materials. Japan will also provide training for teachers, aid in classroom teaching, and facilitate opportunities for students and teachers to travel to Japan for study and cultural exchange.
