Business trip combined with cultural experience in Japan celebrating CLEF's 5th anniversary

The trip included participation from CLEF staff, employees of Viet International Company, and artists from Group M6: Giáng Son, Nguyễn Vĩnh Tiến, Trần Đức Minh, Nguyễn Lê Tâm, Ngô Tự Lập, and singer Trần Ngọc Bảo. These individuals have played key roles in various cultural and artistic programs alongside CLEF over the years. Additionally, this event coincides with the 20th anniversary of Viet International Company.

On the first day, the delegation arrived in Tokyo and began their tour at prominent landmarks, including the Imperial Palace, the residence of the Japanese Royal Family; Tokyo Station, one of Japan's largest and most beautiful transportation hubs; and Asakusa Temple, a historic site known for its vibrant Nakamise Street. Here, the group had the opportunity to explore traditional culture and sample a variety of renowned Japanese street foods.

In the afternoon, the delegation traveled to the port city of Yokohama, where the blend of modernity and classic charm creates a harmonious atmosphere typical of a vibrant coastal city. The members strolled through renowned waterfront areas such as the Red Brick Warehouse and Yamashita Park, savoring a stunning sunset over Tokyo Bay. This visit to Yokohama not only offered memorable moments of relaxation but also allowed the group to gain a deeper appreciation of the interplay between tradition and modernity in Japan's urban life and development.

The next day, the delegation visited Odaiba, a modern artificial island in Tokyo Bay that showcases Japan's pioneering spirit in technology. The group toured and took photos at the Statue of Liberty and the Rainbow Bridge, both prominent symbols of Odaiba, before returning to the Ueno area to stroll, shop, and explore its bustling commercial streets.

One of the unforgettable highlights of the journey was the visit to the Hakone and Kawaguchiko region, renowned for its stunning natural scenery. The delegation enjoyed a pirate ship cruise on the picturesque Ashi Lake, explored popular tourist spots, and sampled the famous "black eggs," believed to promote longevity. Most notably, they had the chance to admire Mount Fuji from Oishi Park along the shores of Lake Kawaguchi. Witnessing Mount Fuji under perfect weather conditions was an emotional experience, leaving a lasting impression on every member of the group.

Meeting with strategic partners
In addition to their sightseeing journey, the delegation participated in several productive meetings with strategic partners in Japan to strengthen cooperation in education, culture, and human resource development.
The series of activities began with a visit to Hands Holdings, a large company specializing in human resources with over 800 employees, including more than 200 foreign nationals, of whom around 150 are Vietnamese. The delegation received a warm welcome from the company's leadership, who shared insights into the recruitment, training, and support processes for Vietnamese workers in Japan. During this visit, members of the delegation had a unique opportunity to hear directly from young Vietnamese professionals at Hands Holdings about their experiences, challenges, and efforts to integrate and thrive in Japan's demanding work environment. This activity was particularly meaningful in supporting training programs and facilitating the deployment of high-quality human resources from Viet International Company to work in Japan.

Next, the delegation met with the Japan Foundation, a cultural exchange organization under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan that is dedicated to promoting international cultural exchange. The Japan Foundation has previously collaborated with CLEF on various cultural and academic initiatives, particularly in a project to compile and publish Japanese language textbooks for high school students in Vietnam. During the meeting, both parties discussed opportunities for expanding cooperation in teacher training programs, artistic exchanges, and ensuring that Vietnamese students have sustainable and meaningful access to scholarship opportunities and Japanese culture.

Closing a meaningful journey
The business trip, combined with cultural exploration in Japan to celebrate the 5th anniversary of CLEF Institute, marked a significant milestone in the Institute's development and served to strengthen friendly relations with strategic partners in Japan. The cultural experiences, productive meetings, and moments of connection throughout the trip will be valuable assets for CLEF as it continues its mission of knowledge connection, resource development, and value dissemination, contributing further to the community and the advancement of Vietnam's education and culture in this era of integration.
Some additional images from the trip: