On June 15, 2025, a significant milestone was reached in Japan's Vietnamese language education scene as the Association for Promotion and Exchange of Southeast Asian Languages in Japan held the 8th Vietnamese language proficiency test at the Japan Foreign Language College in Tokyo. For the first time ever, the highest level of proficiency, Level 1, was included in the exam, attracting 41 candidates eager to demonstrate their mastery of Vietnamese. This event drew a total of 917 candidates from across 40 of Japan's 46 prefectures, ranging in age from a mere 8 years old to an impressive 84, showcasing the widespread and diverse interest in the Vietnamese language throughout the country.
The proficiency test is structured into six levels, starting from the introductory near Level 6 up to the advanced Level 1. Level 6 remains the most popular, with 229 registrations, closely followed by Level 5 with 214 candidates. The increasing number of participants over the years has also led to a steady rise in pass rates — from a modest 16.7% in its inaugural year to over 52.63% in 2024. This upward trend reflects not only growing enthusiasm but also improving Vietnamese language education and preparation among learners in Japan.
Many participants come from various backgrounds, including university students majoring in Vietnamese and professional interpreters. Others are motivated by personal connections — having Vietnamese family or friends, or a fondness for Vietnamese culture and cuisine. For example, Hideki Onozawa, a Level 3 candidate employed at Itoshima City Hall, expressed a heartfelt desire to use Vietnamese to assist the many Vietnamese technical interns and workers in his community. "I love the Vietnamese people because they are friendly and always greet me with a smile," he shared.
Similarly, Koike Yusuke, another Level 3 candidate who has lived in Ho Chi Minh City for 15 years and married a Vietnamese woman, appreciates the warmth of the city and its climate. Takenaka, a Level 1 candidate from Shizuoka who spent 24 years in Vietnam, is driven by his passion for Vietnamese culture and strives to communicate more deeply through language. Fukushima, a self-taught Level 1 candidate from Aichi, has utilized modern tools like the internet and ChatGPT to study Vietnamese over five years, delighting in Vietnamese delicacies such as bún đậu mắm tôm and the aromatic herbs that enrich the cuisine.
While the proficiency test challenges candidates at various skill levels, many find listening comprehension the toughest hurdle, especially at lower levels. However, at the highest Level 1, grammar and reading comprehension become the most demanding sections, as candidates must demonstrate nuanced understanding and articulate complex ideas fluently. The Association's chairman, Fujino Masayoshi, expressed his joy over the successful inclusion of Level 1 this year, noting that the growing pool of candidates finally made it feasible to offer this advanced test.
Parallel to this formal testing initiative, grassroots efforts are flourishing to preserve Vietnamese language and culture among younger generations born in Japan. In Gunma Prefecture, a vibrant Vietnamese language class was launched in September 2024, sparked by Nguyen Kim Thoa, a Vietnamese mother who wanted her children to speak Vietnamese and connect with their heritage. What began as a simple Facebook call for volunteers quickly blossomed into a community endeavor involving dedicated teachers and helpers like Nguyen Duy Toan, Ho Thi Thu Thuy, Nguyen Thi Kieu, and Chau Cam Loan.
This class operates without official sponsorship or large budgets, relying solely on volunteer enthusiasm and love for the homeland. Nearly 30 children aged 5 to 10, many of whom initially knew little or no Vietnamese, attend weekly sessions where instructors adapt lessons from the Vietnamese textbook series 'Chân trời sáng tạo' to suit the needs of children raised in Japan. Teachers creatively incorporate games and interactive activities to foster a lively and engaging learning environment, ensuring that "every day at school is a happy day," as Nguyen Kim Thoa puts it.
Challenges abound, especially since Japanese is the dominant language for these children. Teachers like Nguyen Duy Toan emphasize starting from the basics, building from "A, B, C" and making lessons fun to maintain attendance and enthusiasm. Each classroom is staffed with a lead teacher and one or two assistants to provide personalized attention, accommodating the varying proficiency levels among students. Assistant teacher Men notes that some children can read but not understand, while others grasp meanings but struggle with writing, necessitating careful guidance.
Parents play a crucial role in supporting the program. Bui Anh Ngoc, mother of two students, remarks on her children's joy and growing awareness of their Vietnamese identity, noting how they voluntarily practice writing at home despite initial difficulties. The heartfelt words of seven-year-old student Thuy Tien capture the spirit of the class: "I am Vietnamese. I learn Vietnamese to talk with my grandparents." This sentiment highlights the class's dual role as a language school and a cultural bridge, nurturing pride and connection within the Vietnamese diaspora.
Photographs from the Gunma class show children eagerly practicing pronunciation, writing Vietnamese characters like "vù vù" and "vé số," and participating in traditional games and celebrations during cultural events such as the Mid-Autumn Festival and Vietnamese Children's Day. These activities reinforce not only language skills but also cultural heritage and community bonds.
Meanwhile, in Vietnam itself, the demand for Vietnamese language proficiency tests among foreigners is surging. Recognized as a valuable credential, these certificates enable foreigners to enroll in Vietnamese universities or secure jobs in domestic companies. The Ministry of Education and Training authorizes numerous institutions nationwide — from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, Hue to Da Nang, and beyond — to administer these exams, which rigorously assess listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills.
The exam's structure is comprehensive and challenging. Listening sections span nearly an hour with 55 questions, including dialogues, real-life scenarios, and academic presentations that test comprehension of subtle emotions and intentions. Speaking tasks require candidates to handle everyday conversations, discuss social issues like plastic bag bans, and deliver presentations on topics such as whether parents can nurture genius children. Writing components range from spelling exercises to composing argumentative essays of at least 200 words on contemporary social themes. Reading passages include short stories, news articles, and social commentaries, demanding analytical skills and familiarity with advanced vocabulary.
Passing these exams signifies more than just language ability; it reflects a deep understanding of Vietnamese culture, society, and thought processes. The increasing popularity and rigor of these tests underscore Vietnam's growing appeal as a destination for study and career development, moving beyond tourism to a serious commitment to integration and cultural exchange.
Back in Japan, these intertwined efforts — from official proficiency testing to grassroots language classes — demonstrate a vibrant, evolving relationship between the Vietnamese language and its learners abroad. Whether through formal certification or community-led education, the Vietnamese language is thriving as a bridge across cultures, generations, and continents, embodying both personal identity and shared heritage.
