Activities

Community Building

Summer camps, youth exchange, sports and a nationwide chapter network

Overview

Since its founding in 1983, VAJ has been a place where Vietnamese people in Japan find one another. Today the community spans several generations — from the first families who settled here to international students, technical-intern trainees and children born in Japan. VAJ creates opportunities for these generations to meet, understand and support one another, and to stay connected for the long term.

“Kết Nối” Summer Camp

The “Kết Nối” (Connection) Summer Camp is a VAJ tradition that brings Vietnamese families and young people together for summer days of camping, cooking, performances and group games. It has been held over many years — 2017, 2022 (Chiba), 2023 and 2026.

It gives children a chance to make Vietnamese friends, and lets different generations share their experience of life in Japan.

Youth exchange & sports

Intergenerational exchange — a gathering where earlier generations and young people discuss the future of the community together (first held November 2021).
Summer exchange — summer activities for young people and families.
Kết Nối Futsal Tournament — a sports event bringing Vietnamese teams together (2022).

Nationwide chapter network

VAJ operates through its Kanto Headquarters (Tokyo), theKansai Chapter (Osaka) — launched in December 2022 — and theTokai Chapter (in preparation). The chapters meet monthly on Zoom and co-organize events so that Vietnamese people in every region can take part. A general assembly is held regularly to review our work and set future direction.

Alongside the refugee community

Rooted in the history of how the association began, VAJ continues to stand alongside Vietnamese refugees who have resettled in Japan — taking part in theGathering of Resettled Refugees in Japan and conducting the2025–2026 survey of Vietnamese refugees in Japan.