The Center for Vietnam Studies, the Bamboo Vietnamese language school and the Vietnamese Language Department at Osaka University on March 29 launched a painting contest themed "Vietnam in Me" for Vietnamese children in Japan and unveiled a Vietnamese bookcase.
The event was part of the celebration for the Vietnamese Language Day among the Vietnamese community abroad and the 2025 search for Vietnamese language ambassadors abroad.
In his remarks, Consul General of Vietnam in Osaka Ngo Trinh Ha emphasised that the 100,000-strong Vietnamese community in the Kansai region is continuously striving to maintain and promote the Vietnamese language through cultural activities that enhance awareness of national identity among the youth.
Despite challenges in resources, the community has made significant progress in building a collection of Vietnamese books. He expressed a hope for continued support from domestic agencies to enrich the collection, making it a valuable resource for young expatriates.
President of the Vietnamese Association in Kansai and Principal of the Bamboo school Le Thuong said that the painting contest aims to provide Vietnamese children in Japan with an opportunity to express their artistic talents while deepening their connection to their homeland.
The head judge of the contest, Professor Shimizu Masaaki from Osaka University, said that learning a language is not just about practicing speaking and listening, but through various activities. For example, comic books are also an important medium because they contain both language and visuals.
The contest requires original works on A3 or A4 paper, using various materials such as coloured pencils, crayons, and watercolors. The organising board will grant one first, two second, four third, and ten consolation prizes./.
