Japanese journalist impressed by Vietnam’s growing external communications sector
A veteran journalist of Japan has praised what he saw while working Vietnam during 2010–2015 as a highly positive development in Vietnam’s external communications efforts.
Miyake Kazuhisa, former chief representative of Kyodo News in Vietnam (Photo: VNA)
Tokyo (VNA) – Miyake Kazuhisa, former chief representative of Kyodo News in Vietnam, has recently shared his insightful perspectives on the remarkable evolution of Vietnamese journalism, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Vietnam's Revolutionary Press Day (June 21).
Talking to Vietnam News Agency (VNA) correspondents in Japan, Miyake, who served two terms as Kyodo’s bureau chief in Hanoi, reflected on the stark contrast between the two periods.
According to him, his first posting (1996–1997) coincided with Vietnam’s new accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the normalisation of diplomatic ties with the US. At that time, infrastructure was still rudimentary, and real-time access to information was extremely limited. English-language news sources were scarce, largely confined to weekly publications such as Vietnam News and Vietnam Investment Review. Internet-based media had not yet emerged, and attending press conferences or collecting information was a genuine challenge.
By contrast, when Miyake returned for his second term (2010–2015), the landscape transformed dramatically. The rapid rise of online media revolutionised news reporting. He observed a more open media environment, marked by a notable increase in press conferences and events accessible to foreign journalists. Government communications and media engagement also became more frequent, interactive, and professional. The veteran journalist praised this as a highly positive development in Vietnam’s external communications efforts.
Talking about challenges and opportunities facing the media industry in this new era, Miyake stressed that the role of media professionals and journalists has never been more crucial than it is in today’s digital age. He stress💯ed that their foremost duty is to provide accurate and truthful information. In his view, the most important task is to continuously mꦗaintain high-quality journalism./.
Kitagawa was first introduced to Vietnamese media in late 1973, when he arrived in Hanoi to study the Vietnamese language at the University of Hanoi. Since then, his connection to Vietnam has deepened through three postings as a correspondent. He currently serves as Vice President of the Tokyo chapter of the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Association.
This is the first-ever photo book on the history of Vietnam’s revolutionary journalism. It features concise articles and more than 1,000 rare photographs and documents carefully selected from archives nationwide.
The press, as a sharp ideological - cultural tool of the Party, must always operate under the Party's unwavering leadership. This ensures the revolutionary, ideological, and humanitarian essence of Vietnamese journalism, which contributes to maintaining political stability, strengthening national unity, and creating social consensus and public trust in the renewal process.
VietnamPlus e-newspaper of the VNA clinched an A prize in the “Outstanding Press Product” category for its immersive 3D multimedia project, “Epic of Reunification,” a groundbreaking blend of storytelling and technology. The VNA won another A prize for its eye-catching exhibition booth.
Today, the press for foreign service has evolved into a distinct, irreplaceable force, bridging Vietnam with the world and portraying a nation that is stable, peace-loving, and fully integrated into the international community.
At a review conference held on June 21, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Van Sinh praised the province’s scientific, coordinated, and flexible approach. He noted that the early completion reflects the strong commitment of local authorities, the business community, philanthropists, and residents in improving housing conditions for disadvantaged groups.
The VNA delegation, led by General Director Vu Viet Trang, actively participated in the event, engaging in both professional and diplomatic activities.
In the context where AI dominates and produces vast volumes of content, the only sustainable path forward for journalism is to focus on high-quality content and core values. Journalism must redefine its mission - not to report the fastest, but to provide the most profound and trustworthy value.
Granma and the VNA have great potential for cooperation, especially in sharing content regularly, so that VNA products are published on Granma platforms and vice versa, thereby helping Cuban and Vietnamese people access true information and gain a deep understanding of each other's country and people.
During his stay in China’s Guangzhou city from 1924 to 1927 to prepare for the establishment of a Communist Party to lead Vietnam’s revolution, President Ho Chi Minh founded “Thanh nien” newspaper and released its first issue on June 21, 1925.
Vietnam and Cambodia are hoped to strengthen their robust collaboration across various sectors, particularly in resolving remaining border issues to transform the border area into a zone of peace, friendship, cooperation, and development.
The strategic product, managed and operated by the Vietnam News Agency Digital Media Centre (VNA Media), is an official channel for popularising the Party and State’s information and documents as well as delivering mainstream and trustworthy news to both domestic and international audiences through various kinds of multimedia formats.
Since President Ho Chi Minh founded Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, the Vietnamese revolutionary press has become the voice of the people. During the resistance war against the colonialists, journalists took great personal risks to inspire patriotism and the will of rising up against foreign invaders.
The total investment exceeded 319 billion VND (12.2 million USD), including over 261 billion VND from the state budget and 57.5 billion VND mobilised from businesses, organisations, and individuals.
The Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang is intensifying efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing as part of the country’s goal of having the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning lifted.
Throughout its 80-year history, the VNA has remained at the forefront of information dissemination. It has consistently delivered timely, accurate, and objective reports on both domestic and international events, serving the Party’s leadership, the State’s management, and the public’s demand for official news.
With strong support from local authorities, businesses, organisations, and residents, the province has successfully built or repaired 10,707 homes for disadvantaged households, including war veterans, families of martyrs, ethnic minority people, and low-income residents.
Throughout its resistance against colonialists and imperialists, Vietnam developed a revolutionary press that has served as a benchmark for just and legitimate causes worldwide.
Founded in 1842, the Vienna Philharmonic is regarded as a cultural ambassador of Austria, with prestigious conductors like Mahler and Karajan who shape its legacy. Its New Year’s Concert, broadcast to over 90 countries annually, stands as a global symbol of classical music excellence.
PM Chinh lauded the press’s historic role in the nation’s fight for independence and its ongoing process of national development, affirming that the Government always highly appreciates the close partnership and steadfast support of press agencies and journalists nationwide.
In recent decades, Vietnam’s mainstream media has become a reliable and persuasive channel for showcasing the nation’s development policies and achievements, especially in economic matters, according to a senior assistant editor at the Times of India.
