Professor Dr. Furuta Motoo, President of the Japan–Vietnam Friendship Association and Rector of the Vietnam-Japan University, has dedicated nearly 50 years to studying Vietnam, culminating in his recent book, "Vietnam – A Perspective from Japan." His unique "bottom-up" approach, blending academic rigor with personal experience, offers profound insights into Vietnam's history, economy, society, and culture. From daily life and belief systems to the nation's development trajectory and its crucial relationship with Japan, Professor Furuta's work provides a comprehensive and often intimate understanding of a country he calls his "first and lifelong love."
A Half-Century of Devotion: Professor Furuta Motoo's Journey
Few foreign scholars can claim as deep and enduring a connection to Vietnam as Professor Dr. Furuta Motoo. A leading expert on Vietnam studies in Japan and the current President of the Japan–Vietnam Friendship Association, Professor Furuta's half-century long commitment to understanding Vietnam has recently culminated in the publication of his insightful book, "Vietnam – A Perspective from Japan." This work is not merely an academic treatise but a heartfelt reflection of his profound engagement with the nation, a sentiment he eloquently expresses by stating, "Vietnam has been my first and lifelong love for the past half-century."
Professor Furuta began his studies of Vietnam in the late 1960s, a period marked by the fierce resistance war against the US for national salvation. His academic journey commenced with a graduation thesis on the August Revolution of 1945, setting the stage for a lifetime of dedicated research. Fluent in Vietnamese, he has become one of the most respected foreign scholars on Vietnam's modern history.
A Unique "Bottom-Up" View of Vietnamese Society
What sets Professor Furuta's perspective apart is his distinctive "bottom-up" approach. Unlike traditional historical accounts that often focus on major political events or top-down analyses, his book delves into the intricacies of daily life, beliefs, language, and communication culture of the Vietnamese people. This method allows for a more nuanced understanding of the unique features of Vietnamese society, revealing how everyday practices and community dynamics shape the broader national narrative.
His observations extend to fundamental aspects of Vietnamese culture:
Community Values: He explores the inherent Vietnamese sense of community, deeply rooted in village life and extended family ties, and how this influences social structures and individual behavior.
Religion and Belief: Rather than simply listing religious affiliations, Professor Furuta delves into the depth of Vietnamese spiritual culture, recognizing religion and belief as flexible and pragmatic social practices deeply intertwined with daily life.
Resilience and Adaptation: His work implicitly highlights the Vietnamese people's remarkable resilience and adaptability, honed through centuries of nation-building and resistance against foreign invaders.
Economic Insights and the Japan-Vietnam Partnership
Professor Furuta's book also offers a comprehensive look at Vietnam's socio-economic development process and its foreign relations, with particular attention to the burgeoning ties between Vietnam and Japan. He understands that both countries, lacking abundant natural resources, share a commitment to independent and sustainable development.
Japanese experts, including Professor Hirohide Kurihara, have echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing Vietnam's highly capable workforce as a key asset for future development. They view cooperation between the two countries, now elevated to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World," as a model for smaller economies aiming for self-reliant growth. Japan remains a top foreign investor in Vietnam, with significant contributions in areas like infrastructure, digital transformation, and green transition. Professor Furuta's work further enriches this understanding by providing a historical and cultural context for this robust partnership.
Bridging Cultures and Fostering Friendship
Professor Furuta Motoo's half-century of dedication has transcended academic research. His efforts have significantly contributed to strengthening the bridge of knowledge and friendship between Vietnam and Japan. He has actively supported Vietnamese students, donating substantial personal prize money and mobilizing scholarships from Japanese networks to fund their studies. This commitment to nurturing future generations of Vietnamese scholars and fostering academic exchange exemplifies his belief in the profound and lasting bond between the two nations.
His book, "Vietnam – A Perspective from Japan," serves not only as a valuable academic resource but also as a cultural gift, offering readers a sincere and deeply insightful view of Vietnam through the eyes of a scholar who truly understands and loves the country.