So all 3 countries are East Asian countries with similar culture and value system, yet Vietnamese can build a great friendship with only one of them.


Despite the past animosity between Vietnam and Japan during World War II, I find the two countries are building a great friendship.

For over a decade, there have been countless cultural events between Vietnam and Japan, taking place both in Vietnam and Japan. Many Japanese came to Vietnam to do charities. They helped our homeless, our orphans. There was an old retired Japanese couple who spent their saving money to build a bridge for a rural province of Vietnam, when they were asked why they did this, the Japanese couple said that because they fell in love with Vietnamese people and that Vietnamese reminded them of their old days in Japan when life was very very hard, they said they wish to alleviate some hardship and bring some happiness to the people in Vietnam. I was really touched by all the charities that Japanese did to Vietnam (most of them was non-governmental). On top of all, I found that they sincerely respect our culture and our people. Here you have Japan, a rich and advanced country, a top economy of the world, but they are not arrogant toward a weak and poor country like Vietnam. They always treat us with respect. I'm not talking about government propaganda, I'm talking about ordinary people. When the tsunami hit Japan, many auctions was held in Vietnam to collect money to donate to Japan, these events went on even when people in the world had already forgotten about the earthquake and the tsunami. Vietnamese students took out their savings to cook pho for homeless Japanese whose home was destroyed by the earthquake. Most of these were non-governmental. While there are jackasses in every country, I normally see Vietnamese and Japanese treat each other with mutual kindness and respect - something rather rare in Asia, where countries always piss against each other.

Then I think of other EA countries - China and Korea. They have similar cultures and probably similar values as the Japanese. But their attitudes toward Vietnam are just starkly different.

Chinese often look down on Vietnam as a backward country with inferior culture and people. Ok I know there are bad Chinese and good Chinese, but I think this is the prevailing attitude. China has always displayed arrogance toward Vietnam and tried to force Vietnam into submission. If Vietnam wants to be left alone, it has to admit China's superiority. There's little if any respect China has toward Vietnam. Chinese often think of Vietnam as an inferior tributary state. Even many Chinese scholars have this mentality of Vietnam being a possession of China until the 19th century when the French arrived. I saw this one interview of a Chinese historian on the issue of sea dispute, and I couldn't believe that he used the idea that Vietnam was once tributary state of China to justify Chinese ownership of the disputed area. This is the 21st century and there are still some people with that mentality, and they are not just any ordinary Chinese, they are educated Chinese scholars, and that's just scary to me. It just shows that China doen't really view Vietnam as a country of equal sovereignty. Yes, I know there are bad people and kind-hearted people in every country. There are good Chinese as well as bad Chinese. But it's just that I've never seen this kind of attitude in the Japanese while it's so prevailing in the Chinese.

Korea doesn't have any history with Vietnam, but some Korean still display arrogant attitude and superiority toward Vietnamese. I guess they do this simply because their nation is richer and more developed, pretty much like how Americans would display superiority complex toward the Mexicans. We got some cultural exchange events between the two countries, we see some Korean and Vietnamese treat each other with mutual respect and kindness, but the friendship still isn't as great as the friendship between Japan and Vietnam. No again, I'm not talking about governmental cooperation or propaganda. I'm talking about non-governmental organizations and ordinary people.


So why this scenario? Is it because Japanese are not as nationalistic as Korean and Chinese? Is it because of some Japanese values? What do you think?

To be honest, I have always admired the Japanese for being rich yet still display humble attitude and respect to people of poor countries.

SOME chinese always looks down on other asians because they still believe that china is still the center of the universe and everything came from china

and as for koreans ........... well some koreans look down on everyone too esp the "darker" asian

and i believe that some japanese looks down on viet and other asians too

and i am not sure what u are talking about princess but viet gov is on good terms with S. korean and Japanese GOVernment ... it is only some korean or japanese citizen that looks down on other people

the only one east asian nation that vietnam gov is not on good term with is the chinese government BUT in real life chinese Citizen get along fine with viet people .... it is only some people on the internet that has this superiority complex thing going

Yea you got all kinds of people in all countries but on average, I see Japanese treating Vietnamese with more respect compared to Korean and Chinese. I don't know why.

There seems to be more Vietnam-Japan friendship associations than Vietnam-Korea friendship associations or Vietnam-China friendship associations.

Japan Vietnam Cultural Association
http://www.capital.co.jp/english/vietnam/csr.html
"We, Capital Partners Securities, recognize the importance of cultural exchanges and medical services in Vietnam, and are actively involved in and support Japan Vietnam Cultural Association (JVCA).
　
Currently, JVCA has four main activities: 1) Cultural Exchange, 2) Educational Support, 3) Medical and Human Resources Support and 4) Economic Exchange.
　
In April 2010, JVCA sponsored “Japan Vietnam Friendship Concert” celebrating the 1,000-year anniversary of Hanoi’s founding at the Hanoi Opera House. On top of this, JVCA sponsored “Japan Vietnam Cultural Exchange Concert” played by The Hoa Sen Vietnam String Quartet at the Todaiji's Great Buddha in Nara Prefecture, Chino-City in Nagano Prefecture and Tokyo in August 2010.

JVCA has also supported the operation of Nui Truc Japanese Language School in Hanoi. Also, we have contributed to the development of JVCA’s medical support by donating most of profit of “The Cancer Insurance”, one of our product lineups to Da Nang Cancer Hospital Project through JVCA. Lastly as an activity of economic exchange, JVCA sponsored “Japan Cherry Blossom Festival in Vietnam” celebrating the 999-year anniversary of Hanoi’s founding in April 2009. Many corporations in both countries participated in the Festival to run their exhibition booths to contribute toward deepening the economic exchange. "



The Society of Japan-Vietnam Kansai Friendship
http://xuctiendautumientrung.gov.vn/bantin...=34&lang=en

"In the morning of May 13, 2011, the Society of Japan-Vietnam Kansai Friendship (Japan) led by Mr. NISHIMURA TEIICHI – Vice President of Vietnam-Japan Friendship Association of Kansai region, ViceChairman of Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, General Director of Sakura Color Products Company – had a meeting with Danang People’s Committee’s leaders.

Kansai, the southern region of Japan, is located in the main Japanese island of Honshu which is home of many famous cities, like Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe.It is also well-known for Kansai International Airport which is located on an artificial Island in the middle of Osaka Bay and the imperial capital of Japan – Kyoto. The key industries of Kansai region consist of hi-tech industry, bio-chemical industry and accessories.

On this occasion, the Society of Japan-Vietnam Kansai Friendship aimed to study on the socio-economic development and investment environment in Danang. At the meeting, Mr. Phung Tan Viet, Vice Chairman of Danang People’s Committee, expressed his interest in boosting the Danang-Kansai economic cooperation and friendship, especially promoting the direct flight from Danang to Kansai and vice versa. In addition, he also proposed the Society of Japan-Vietnam Kansai Friendship would assist Danang in encouraging businesses in Kansai region to make a survey and invest in Danang, particularly in Hi-tech Park, IT Park and Lien Chieu Seaport.
Mr NISHIMURA TEIICHI thanked the emotion and support of the people in Danang for Japanese victims affected by the last earthquake and tsunami. He also undertook to introduce Kansai’s enterprises to Danang to seek for investment opportunities in the coming time."


Annual Hello Vietnam Festival in Japan
http://english.vovnews.vn/Home/2009-Hello-...0098/106844.vov

The 2009 Hello Vietnam Festival will be held in Yoyogi park in Tokyo, Japan on September 19-20.

At the event, Vietnamese restaurants in Tokyo and surrounding areas will be introduced to visitors. In addition, the organising board will arrange one area to introduce Vietnam’s culture, trade and tourism.

The highlights of the festival will include a musical performance and a show of Ao Dai (traditional long dresses) with the participation of Vietnamese and Japanese artists and members of the Vietnamese Youth and Student Association in Japan (VYSA).

In particular, artist Kumiko Oguri will perform on the t’rung, one of Vietnam’s traditional musical instruments.

Both Vietnam and Japan expect the festival will become the biggest annual exchange between the two countries.


Annual cherry blossom festival in Vietnam
http://www.dztimes.net/post/life-style/Japanese...ival-nears.aspx
HA NOI — Ten Vietnamese and four Japanese dance troupes will be performing Yosakoi at the Genki Festival in Ha Noi this weekend.

Yosakoi, one of the most popular dance forms in Japan, will be the highlight of the Genki Festival, which is being co-organised by the Viet Nam–Japan Cultural Exchange Association.

Representing Viet Nam will be the Ha Noi Sennen Yosakoi troupe. About 100 dancers are currently rehearsing for the show.

The two-day festival will be held at the Giang Vo Exhibition Centre.

In addition to Yosakoi, there will be a series of Japanese cultural activities such as origami, formal tea ceremonies and cherry tree displays.

For the event, cherry trees, which blossom in March and April, will be brought to Viet Nam from Japan.

I don't know of any annual Korea festival in Vietnam or Vietnam festival in Korea, do you?

i think part of the reason is because there has not been any major issue that occur between viet and japanese besides WWII

where as you would hear Bad news about korean farmers beating their viet wife every few days or so and you would hear about the territory dispute between chinese and viet

you do not hear as much bad news that involves japanese as korean or chinese

^ Yea, that too.


Korea and Vietnam get along fine "politically", but for some reason I don't see much cultural exchange between the two countries whereas cultural exchange between Vietnam and Japan went back in the 90s.


Vietnam Festival in Tokyo 2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTqny8DCeIg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tu2z5hE7oWE


1000 Year Hanoi celebration in Japan?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyVEHfVJ_Q4
Does anyone know what they're saying?


Japan cherry festival in Vietnam
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkI0nsUprRw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRdLU3iw6Ds

It isn't exactly about wealth. Thailand isn't very rich but there is no stereotype that Koreans look down on them because Thailand is culturally well-known in Korea. In general, Koreans don't know much about Vietnam so they may think of some vague things they have come across when they hear Vietnam. It's mostly older Koreans and some immature kids who may look down on Vietnam. "Looking down" vibe here doesn't mean despising but is more like being cold-shouldered and indifferent. Koreans' stereotypical straightforwardness doesn't really help in this case, too. Many older Koreans lived a very tense tunnel-visioned life with tumultuous social upheavals and speedy economic development. They didn't have time to relax and look around. It was all about competition / surpassing or being left behind / keeping North Korea in check. You won't have such attitude problem with younger Korean adults in general.

There are quite a few if you look into it but they may not be so high profile. There is this Korean NGO.

http://www.hanvietfoundation.org

The soccer player Park Jisung with other famous players is gonna hold a charity match in Vietnam soon. I hope it becomes a memorable event.

I find Koreans have a strange image of Vietnam's culture. When I made friends with some Koreans for the first time, I was shocked what they expected to be Vietnamese things or not. Even thought I explained them clearly, I got the feeling that they still like to act dumb towards me.

Are you sure?


I think Viets and Pinoys are more friendly.


Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Taiwanse look down on the Vietnamese.



Viets and Pinoys are on equal terms I believe. They don't look down on each other.

there is actually a Korean culture center in Hanoi. They also held annually (or bi-) a Han-Viet Festival just as a side information.

@SoCal: We're talking about EA countries here. SEA countries got totally different culture and on average, they're more friendly than the EA (my opinion).

@dongyi: Thanks for the info. I hope Vietnam and Korea will develop a great friendship in the future.

How did you know?

i don't think so.

i don't like amis beauty. (troll)

i don't like kimbak and Korean badmouthed Vietnamese a lot in... ***cafe or whatever i suddenly forgot.

i don't like Chinese's DEHP.

I like japan, because the only East Asian that i have never seen badmouthed Vietnamese is Japanese.

Japanese is a little friendly and gentle due to their peaceful cuture.

Trust me on this.


If you put Vietnamse, Pinoy, Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean, and Japanese together.


The Viet and Pinoy will talk to each other but the Viet will marry to Taiwanese or Korean.


You don't see Viet marrying to Chinese nor Japanese.

That is your logic, It is just because Taiwan and S.Korea is near Vietnam, and beside Vietnam don't have a very good relationship with China.


history has prove that Japan is Đại Việt goodfriend, Nguyễn Lord intrust his adopted daughter (who later help her husband doing great bussiness in Japan) to Hoang Mộc Tông Thái Lang (Araki Soutarou).

btw, there is no Vietnamese want to marry Korean and Taiwanese anymore, i presume.

Viet and Pinoy are COOL with each other. We get along great. But it's not in the scope of this topic. We can make another thread dedicated for the relationship between Filipino and Vietnamese.

But anyway, I know SoCal is trolling by making nonsense posts and going off topic as usual.

Ignore him please.

yep, agreed.

Sorry for the internet chinese trolls, they're usually angry youth(that's how we call them), who don't understand the world as much, we don't get on with them.

Those who bash Vietnamese don't know any Vietnamese in life
Those who bash Japanese don't know any Japanese in life
Those who bash Korean don't know any Koreans in life

In real life, like the in the university where I went to, the ppl got on with us the most were Vietnamese, we always went to bars, played we11 together, never had bad experience playing with the vietnamese, they always were better at english than us, and very smart too. Followed by Japanese

Trust me, it's not easy to be chinese for seeing all these negative impressions for us, I think you guys are too politic oriented + chinese trolls make you hate us on the internet, but it's just on the internet, in real life, I have never had bad experience with Vietnamese

You guys/gals live in the online world.


For real life, Viets and Pinoys get along fine.




Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese want to know Viets because the men want to get married to Vietnamese women.

Not true, at all.

Yep, everyone gets along well in real life...which makes me really wonder where all haters on the internet come from.

It makes me think "Are people just nice to each other in real life because they don't want to express their true opinions?"

How do internet haters treat people in real life? Would they just be nice to all ethnics like everyone else?


ElapsePride, ignore SoCal. He's just trolling as usual.

If you don't believe me, go and hang out in a group of Viets, Pinoys, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Taiwanese and see for yourself.

Everybody ignore SoCal please.

Continue with your fantasy of the online world and if it does not work, then tell people to ignore the reality.

when people talk face to face could be different how they talk on the internet
Don't be too upset as to those chinese trolls, believe me or not, those angry youth one day will grow up and realise how stupid they are.
some Chinese don't really know much about the real world and so dumb still think China is the center of the world,
In my opinion, China was never the certer of the world, it influenced asia but never as much of "the world", maybe in some aspect, just not as much.

Also, don't be too politic oriented. history, politics make people sick in the mind, we study them to be smart, not to be dumb.

I'm never politic-oriented ElapsePride, but I hate how politics can ruin cultural things

For example, the main television channel of Vietnam VTV is planning on airing a Vietnamese historical drama on June 30th. This is a very carefully-made, very well-done historical drama. The story line, the plot, the dialogues...everything had to go through approval from one historian/scholar/expert to another. The costumes in the drama were all designed by experts in field, historians who have conducted researches on Vietnamese ancient clothing for many many years. Lots of money were invested into it...They hired a famous Chinese director to direct this film. And guess what? This drama faced some protest because some people think that the Chinese director would make the drama "too Chinese", that the director would take away the "Vietnamese soul" of the drama. And I knew all along this protest had something to do with politics because Vietnam and China hadn't been getting along. Then the protests got quieted for awhile, and finally VTV decided to air this drama this month and BOOM...another conflict between VN and China on South China Sea Hence I'm expecting more protests on this drama. It's just sad. I just want to watch the drama. The drama belongs to the cultural sphere, it has nothing to do with politics, it's innocent...But politics just have to ruin it.


As much as you don't like seeing Vietnamese hate Chinese, I don't want Vietnamese to hate Chinese either. I just want everybody to get along. But it's disturbing to see how CCP and some Chinese are hating Vietnamese. I can't go tell my people to not have these negative emotion toward China because I know they're humans and it's just part of them being human, they just feel they're being unfairly treated and angry. Sometimes I got these negative emotions toward China when I read CCP's statements toward Vietnam too, but I try to set them aside. I can only wish things get settled.

You got to understand Vietnam's history with China. As a whole we're not very fond of Chinese due our past
so we tend to be cautious and alert. Even though we don't like China as a whole we can still get along well
with Chinese individually.

It's not our fault. China just has a history of being aggressive.

the japanese joyously embrace art and culture. they're more inclined to stop and smell the roses.

that's why they're more receptive and appreciative towards foreign cultures.

I guess China indeed has a history of being aggressive

I think Vietnam and China will one day sort out the solution over those dispute islands, it takes time, at lease I hope.

Not this "looking down" business again. I expected more from you Xigon.

Honestly, I've been to Vietnam quite a bit, but I have never seen any Japanese people there. I see plenty of Koreans though. I'm know a Korean girl that lives there. My family is friends with some Chinese that live there also. But yeah, I have haven't really seen any Japanese there.

http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=270415

This?

Seriously I didn't see that thread when I made this topic. Everyone here knows I don't go to Korean Chat frequently. Once or twice a month maybe. I'm not obsessed with Korean you know.

I made this topic not to talk about who's looking down on whoM but to figure out why we get better friendship with Japanese than with other EA countries. If all the problems are figured out then we can fix it. I think one of the problems in Korea-Vietnam friendship is probably you. But don't worry, I never gave a $hit about you.

Doggyji, what do you think of the current Korean ulzzang style? Do you think it's gonna die out soon? Because honestly I don't like the Korean fashion influence on Vietnam. Not because I have anything against Korea but because I think it looks quite ridiculous. If that ulzzang style dies out in Korea, perhaps it's gonna die out in Vietnam too. Honestly, I'm just tired of young Vietnamese looking like this


Don't you think it's ridiculous too?

I don't see how that matters. If Viet kids want to dress up like Koreans, let them. Last time I was in Viet Nam (1 year ago) I didn't see much ulzzang. My cousin kind of dresses up like one, but that was pretty much it. I don't think its something that's very common.

Aren't u the product of this type of marriage?

This style is mostly in the urban areas. If you have time, travel to the country sides of Vietnam and most girls/women are not like that.




I am talking about right now, the 21st century, since the year 2000.

Of course we're talking about the urban, idiot.

@poopoo: I don't have problem with them dressing up like Koreans. I have problem with them dressing up like a doll.

I was in Sai Gon and Ha Noi. Definitely didn't see it that much. They dressed a bit more trendy in Ha Noi I guess but even then there weren't really any ulzzang. The Korean girl I know doesn't even dress like one.

If you have time, travel to the country sides in Vietnam. When I visit Vietnam, I spend most of the time in the country side.



SoCal thay cang ngay XiGon ca`ng ho^?n ddo' nha. Ne^'u ho^?n thi` se~ ha. gia' con ngu*o*`i mi`nh.

I think you missed my points, p00p00. I was referring to what is perceived as pretty or cute in Vietnam. Virtually all the so-called "hot girls" in Vietnam have that cute doll-like look.

Hot immature girls. Mature Vietnamese ladies do not dress like that.

This kid is really mental. He takes everything in the wrong way.

I merely asked doggyji about a styling issue of the youths. You just have to interpret everything as "hate".

I'm friends with all the Koreans at my school, and hang out with them a lot.
Japanese girls dig me except the one I want :'(

Don't let it bother you. It's their opinion, they can say whatever they want. In the end, if you're confident, then you wouldn't take those criticisms to heart.

Why doesn't she like you back?

@FieryofTheEast: Haha, do you know the Vietnamese saying "ghét của nào trời cho của ấy" ?

Seriously, did I really offend your soul? You seem agitating.

If so, then I apologize.

Hope that will make you enjoy your maple story game better.

I don't hate Koreans. What are you talking about? Are you still mad because I insulted your penis size in another thread?

Address what? Almost everything you say are nonsenses, why should I bother to address?

there's too much bias and generalization here.

the easier answer is because japan/vietnam doesn't have any territorial dispute, historical baggage, and rather politically neutral toward one another. japan is richer than all asian countries, so their people can afford to travel more, have times to enjoy other cultures, contribute more to philanthropy, etc... but it doesn't make japan better than anyone. if it makes you feel better, japan is no different from other countries. they shoot and arrest taiwanese/chinese fishing boat during the 90s in diaoyutai dispute. well we all know japanese history in wwII. plus you never met a real ring-wing japanese nationalist in real life or the internet, so you don't know what they're thinking... beside modern japanese is like a cobra without fang, a zebra with an injured leg, or a eunuch. lol it doesn't have the same aggression that it had anymore.

for as govt relation between china/vietnam... obviously chinese govt is in competition with ASEAN. adding in the dispute over territorial claims, the two sides are not always on the same page.

as for people friendship.. i guarantee you chinese/vietnamese get along the most out of any asian groups. i have very few non-chinese friends. of the few non-chinese friends, only vietnamese and 1 korean dude i met in college later that i'm okay with. a lot of vietnamese acquaintances i know in hs. even some vietnamese taught me to play some card stuff while i taught them some musical stuff and of course helped them with hw. i think the obvious closeness attributed to similarity in the two cultures that we don't even need to have cultural exchange to understand each other cultures. basically, i see vietnam like a little version of china on the far southeast. the problem is china is a big country, therefore has a big ego. a big brother mentality that wants surrounding smaller countries to recognize and respect its power. vietnam is small but resist submitting to china soft power, so both don't see each other eyes to eyes. citizens of both sides would blindly support their govt, and that's understandable. it's part of national pride.

the question i have is why vietnam can't accept china as a bigger brother and accept being inferior in political power? historically speaking, china prefers to create tribute system moreso than absorbing the country. the only time it absorbs is if that kingdom threaten the central empire existence. if vietnam gives in and accepts china's power and influence, china will eventually soften up its territorial claim and probably nurture vietnam like uncle sam nurturing sk/jp, then we can live peacefully and develop together.

ps i'm not badmouthing japanese people. most are really nice. in fact, my lover is half japanese. and not sugarcoating vietnamese either. just saying that we should separate politics and people aside. this dispute will be resolved through diplomatic.

Xigon,you think average chinese look down on vietnamese?Im disappointed,cuz thats not true.Chinese have no negative feelings towards vietnamese,but vietnamese seem to hate chinese for some history reasons.

While I can appreciate you pointing out the positives between Vietnam's relationship with Japan, I find it short-sighted of you to make the assertion that Korean-Vietnamese relations are worse due to "Korean" arrogance as if such arrogance is a uniquely Korean phenomenon. Trust me, arrogance is a universally HUMAN trait and it is also found in Japan. Koreans are arrogant to other Koreans and Vietnamese are arrogant to other Vietnamese. Just because Vietnamese interactions with Koreans are more publicized does not mean that Koreans are necessarily more "arrogant" than Japanese. Japanese could be just as "arrogant" as Koreans but behind closed doors, so for you to make such conclusions based on your narrow point of view isn't justified.

To me, the reason why you perceive "Koreans are looking down on Vietnamese" is because of your own discomfort with Vietnamese adopting Korean culture. I think you need to understand that your awareness Korean cultural influence in Vietnam will make you "sensitive" to perceive cases of "Korean arrogance" more readily and frequently, and thus, make it seem like its more prevalent. If Japanese cultural was sweeping Vietnam to the extent that Korean culture is, you may "perceive" more cases of Japanese arrogance because that paradigm would be readily available in your mind. I hope you consider these ideas before you make assertions that Koreans are arrogant towards Vietnam simply because its a poor country. Keep in mind that North Korea is even poorer than Vietnam and that South Korea was a poor country only about 30 years ago.