Hanoi (VNA) – The 8th Vietnamese-language proficiency test took place at Osaka University, Japan, on February 9, attracting contestants from 20 regions across the country.

The participants included university students majoring in Vietnamese, translators, and professionals working in Vietnamese-related fields, as well as those with a keen interest in Vietnam, its people, and especially its cuisine.

The youngest candidate was 8 years old, while the oldest, 70-year-old Yanagichi Taiyo, is a retired individual who frequently visits Vietnam to see his Vietnamese friends. He enjoys life in Vietnam and is learning the language to better integrate into the country, where he hopes to reside long-term.

Among the constestants was 18-year-old Kagawa Naho, whose mother is Vietnamese. She expressed her desire to learn the language to communicate with her mother and grandparents and pursue a career related to Vietnamese in the future.

Professor Shimizu Masaki, Chairman of the Examination Council and Head of the Vietnamese Department at Osaka University’s Faculty of Foreign Languages, stated that the exam has been held since 2020 to promote the teaching and learning of Vietnamese in Japan. He noted that the test is expected to be officially recognised by Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training by 2026. He also emphasised that as Vietnam and Japan have been Comprehensive Strategic Partners since 2023, the exam is part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.

Le Thuong, Principal of Cay Tre (Bamboo) Vietnamese Language School and Director of the Centre for Vietnam Studies, one of the co-organisers of the exam, highlighted the centre’s efforts to expand and elevate Vietnamese language education in Japan. She noted that the exam, held twice a year in February and August, attracts many candidates from the Kansai region.

Kenji Tomita, President of the Vietnamese Proficiency Test Association (VTS) and former Head of the Vietnamese Department at Osaka University, has a deep passion for the Vietnamese language and culture. After retiring, he dedicated himself to strengthening Vietnam-Japan relations by organising the exam. His goal is to encourage Vietnamese language learning among second- and third-generation Vietnamese children in Japan, as well as among Japanese learners who appreciate the language. He stated that VTS Japan was established to foster cultural exchange between Japan and Vietnam through Vietnamese language education and research, contributing to academic advancement and international understanding.

The Vietnamese-language proficiency test is held annually to promote and standardise Vietnamese language education in Japan. The 9th edition is scheduled for this August ꧃in Osaka and Tokyo./.