Japanese and Vietnamese Culture: 5 Shocking Differences You Need to Know

Japanese and Vietnamese culture There has long been a mutual exchange and influence, especially in the context of globalization. However, besides the amazing similarities, there are also “shocking” differences that not everyone knows. Let’s explore the multidimensional picture of Japanese and Vietnamese culture with T-Connect to understand more deeply about these two East Asian countries.

Similarities and differences between Japanese and Vietnamese culture

When mentioning Japanese and Vietnamese culture, many people often think of two East Asian countries with long-standing traditions, rich identity and sophistication in every aspect of life. However, few people realize that behind those seemingly close similarities are surprising differences. Let's explore the similarities and differences between Japanese and Vietnamese culture.

Similarities between Japanese and Vietnamese culture

Despite differences in geography and history of development, Japanese and Vietnamese cultures still share many similar values ​​imbued with the Asian spirit:

• Love the subtlety and balance: From architecture, cuisine to living space arrangement, both ethnic groups aim for harmony, simplicity but depth, reflecting the typical Asian aesthetic concept.
• Profound influence of Confucianism: Both cultures are greatly influenced by Confucian philosophy – which emphasizes etiquette, order, respect for elders, and filial piety to parents and grandparents.
• Family is the center of society: Both Japanese and Vietnamese cultures place family in a central position, value the bond between generations, and emphasize the role of the elderly in maintaining order.
• Community and team spirit: From schools to workplaces, both countries emphasize the role of the collective and encourage a spirit of solidarity and shared responsibility for the common good.
• Respect traditions and rituals: Despite rapid modernization, Japan and Vietnam still preserve and honor traditional values ​​through family rituals, traditional New Year, and ancestor worship.

Shocking differences between Japanese and Vietnamese culture

Japanese and Vietnamese cultures also have profound differences, even surprising to those experiencing them for the first time:

• Disciplined and principled thinking

Japanese people are world famous for their high sense of discipline, punctuality, and strict adherence to procedures even in the smallest tasks.

Meanwhile, Vietnamese people are flexible, adaptable and often deal with problems according to situations rather than following fixed rules. This makes Japanese people feel “loose”, while Vietnamese people feel Japanese people are “rigid”.

• How to behave in public

In Japan, keeping quiet and not disturbing others is an “unwritten” rule. When riding the train, in the elevator or in a restaurant, Japanese people rarely talk or laugh loudly.

On the contrary, in Vietnam, talking loudly and laughing in public is quite common, showing friendliness and comfort – but can be shocking to Japanese people coming to Vietnam for the first time.

• Dining style and cuisine

Japanese cuisine focuses on sophistication, frugality, preserving the natural flavor of food, and using little oil. Vietnamese cuisine is rich, using many spices, fish sauce, and even served with strong fish sauce dishes - something that many Japanese people find "difficult to get used to" at first.

• Work culture

Japanese people are loyal to their company, stay long-term, and are willing to work overtime as a sign of dedication. Meanwhile, Vietnamese people prioritize flexibility and pragmatism, and tend to change jobs to find a better environment in terms of salary and benefits.

• How to express emotions

The Japanese are reserved and rarely show their emotions. They often smile slightly or use their eyes to express their attitudes. The Vietnamese are open, emotional, and easily express their joy, sadness, anger, and resentment through words, facial expressions, and gestures – which makes the Japanese feel “noisy” or “too enthusiastic”.

Vietnam - Japan Cultural Festival

In the process of international integration and exchange, Vietnam - Japan cultural festivals have become important highlights to help strengthen friendship and understanding between the two peoples.

The meaning of the Vietnam - Japan festival

These festivals not only bring a multi-dimensional experience of Japanese and Vietnamese culture, but also a convergence of art, cuisine, music and sincere feelings between people. The Vietnam - Japan Cultural Festival has a profound meaning:

• It is an opportunity for young people of both countries to learn and approach traditional and modern culture in a lively way.
• Promote multi-sectoral cooperation, especially in education, study abroad, tourism and artistic creation.
• Honoring unique cultural values, helping audiences recognize interesting similarities and differences between Japanese and Vietnamese cultures.

Typical festivals in Vietnam

Notable Vietnamese-Japanese cultural festivals include:

• Vietnam – Japan Festival (in Ho Chi Minh City): Held annually since 2013 in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, the festival includes activities: Taiko drum performance, Yosakoi dance, Yukata wearing, cosplay competition, Japanese - Vietnamese music exchange. Special food area with traditional dishes from both countries.
• Japanese Festival in Hanoi: Taking place at Hoan Kiem Lake or the Opera House, this festival features many cultural exhibitions, Japanese calligraphy, tea ceremony experiences, origami folding, anime & manga introductions.
• Vietnam Festival in Tokyo (Japan): This is the largest cultural exchange event for the Vietnamese community in Japan, recreating Vietnamese cultural space with lion dance, folk music, Ao Dai performance, water puppetry. In particular, this festival has hundreds of booths introducing Vietnamese cuisine such as pho, banh xeo, and iced milk coffee.
• Vietnam - Japan Cultural Exchange Festival in Da Nang: As part of cooperation between coastal cities, the festival includes martial arts exchanges (karate, vovinam), manga drawing, bonsai and traditional painting displays.

Vietnam Japan Cultural Exchange Program

Along with cultural festivals, Vietnam-Japan cultural exchange programs are playing an increasingly important role in building strong relations between the two countries.

Objectives of the Vietnam-Japan cultural exchange program

The Vietnam-Japan cultural exchange programs are not only cultural playgrounds, but also places for the younger generation to find common ground, understand and respect the differences in Japanese and Vietnamese culture. The goals of these programs are to:

• Strengthen understanding and connection between youth of the two countries.
• Help young people discover traditional and modern cultural values ​​through real-life experiences.
• Promoting cooperation in education, arts, creativity and innovation.
• Create the premise for long-term cultural and social projects, aiming at peace and sustainable development in the region.

Activities in the program

Typical activities often appear in cultural exchange programs between Japan and Vietnam:

• Cultural Workshop: includes calligraphy instruction, manga drawing, traditional handicraft making, tea ceremony experience, Yukata wearing, Japanese style bento making.
• Performing arts & stage exchanges: Water puppetry performance, Vietnamese traditional musical instruments combined with shamisen and koto from Japan.
• Student and youth exchange: includes activities connecting student clubs that love Japanese and Vietnamese culture such as cultural quizzes, talent shows, and bilingual folk storytelling.

Other cultural exchange events between Japan and Vietnam 

In addition to outstanding festivals and exchange programs, over the years, the two countries have continuously expanded cooperation through a series of diverse cultural exchange events in many fields such as:

• Art and Craft Exhibition: Displaying Dong Ho folk paintings – Ukiyo-e, Bat Trang pottery – Imari, Vietnamese lacquer – Japanese Washi.
• Vietnam – Japan Film Week: Screening of famous films from each country with bilingual subtitles, organizing discussions with directors, screenwriters, and producers to share cultural perspectives on cinema.
• Music and fashion festival: The performance stage combines traditional and modern art: from traditional instruments, Japanese rock to Vietnamese indie music.
• Creative collaboration in digital cultural projects: Game design, manga – comics inspired by the two countries' cultures.
• Cultural and language competitions: including Japanese speech contests for Vietnamese students and also a contest to learn about Vietnamese culture in the Japanese student community.

In the era of deep integration, understanding Japanese and Vietnamese culture is a journey to discover the spiritual values, lifestyles and identities that have nurtured the two nations for thousands of years. Similarities help us understand each other, while differences open up opportunities to learn and develop together. We, especially the younger generation, need to work together to preserve, spread and develop these good values ​​to open the door to sustainable cooperation in the future.

If you are living in Japan and need a reliable telecommunication service, T-connect is a great choice for you! Our 100% Vietnamese team is always ready to support and bring attractive promotions, including free shipping nationwide.

T-connect provides flexible mobile and internet packages, making it easy for you to stay in touch with family and friends back home. We are committed to providing professional and dedicated service, so that you always feel close and comfortable, even when you are far away. Come to T-connect to experience meaningful connections in your life!