Vietnamese Association in Japan
NPO法人 日本在住ベトナム人協会 · NPO Hiệp hội Người Việt tại Nhật
"Preserving Heritage, Building Tomorrow"
Who We Are
The Vietnamese Association in Japan (VAJ) was founded onFebruary 12, 1983, growing out of support activities for Vietnamese boat people who began arriving in Japan in 1975. In October 2020, VAJ was officially certified as an NPO (特定非営利活動法人) by the Governor of Tokyo.
For more than four decades we have walked alongside the Vietnamese community in Japan — from the first generation of refugees, to international students, technical-intern trainees, highly skilled workers, and long-term residents raising families here. Our work is guided by the values of freedom, democracy, and human rights, and a vision of a multicultural society where Vietnamese and Japanese build the future together.
We serve an estimated 693,750 Vietnamese residents in Japan (as of end-June 2026) (the country's second-largest foreign community), including 220,000 technical-intern trainees, 80,000 students, and 150,000 long-term residents.
Mission & Vision
Five founding purposes — the compass for everything VAJ does
Community mutual support
Strengthen cooperation among Vietnamese residents in Japan for sustainable community development.
Cultural & linguistic preservation
Maintain and advance Vietnamese culture, language, and traditions within Japan.
Contribution to Japanese society
Live as good citizens, cooperate with Japanese organizations, and contribute to order, peace, and progress.
Next-generation identity
Help younger Vietnamese generations clearly recognize their identity and deepen their love for Vietnam.
Domestic & overseas Vietnamese ties
Strengthen connections with compatriots in Vietnam and Vietnamese communities abroad for shared development.
Four Pillars of Activity
Consultation & Support
300+ consultations a year on work (VAWORK), visas and daily life; legal seminars; emergency relief such as the COVID-19 aid program.
View Details →Education
Free JLPT N1–N4 prep classes, Vietnamese classes for the next generation in Hikone, and Book Camps that encourage reading.
View Details →Cultural Exchange
Hung Kings Day, Tet, Mid-Autumn, Japan–Vietnam exchange, and preserving our community's history.
View Details →Community Building
Kết Nối Summer Camp, youth exchange, Kanto HQ, Kansai chapter, and Tokai chapter (in preparation).
View Details →Organization & Contact
Organization
- Legal name
- 特定非営利活動法人 日本在住ベトナム人協会
- English name
- Vietnamese Association in Japan (VAJ)
- Founded
- February 12, 1983
- NPO certification
- Certified NPO (認証) — October 2020 (Governor of Tokyo)
- Corporate number
- 3012705002242
- Representative
- Takeuchi Isamu, Representative Director
Structure & Network
- Headquarters
- Tokyo (Kanto region)
- Chapters
- Kansai (Osaka) · Tokai (in preparation)
- Departments
- Welfare · Communications · Administration · External Relations · Regional Network · VAWORK
- Reach
- Nationwide — COVID-19 relief operated across 21 prefectures
Get in touch
- Websitewww.hiephoi.jp
- Facebookfacebook.com/hiephoiVN15,000+ followers
- Email[email protected]