Professor Furuta Motoo, 77, delivered his final lecture as rector of Vietnam Japan University (VJU), Vietnam National University, Hanoi, on 24/3. He led the institution for 10 years.
Addressing hundreds of lecturers and students, professor Furuta shared his over half-century research journey, starting with his "first love" for Vietnam. All listened intently as he spoke.
Professor Furuta Motoo explained his decision to focus his research on Vietnam, recalling his time as a University of Tokyo student during the most intense period of Vietnam's resistance against the US. For him, the world seemed to revolve around Vietnam. He stated, "I believe if one can understand Vietnam as that 'center,' one can easily understand the whole world."
From this perspective, professor Furuta guided the audience through four generations of Vietnam scholars in Japan, highlighting the significance of establishing diplomatic relations between the two nations. He also shared historical accounts, experiences from his long-term residency in Vietnam, and his "distinctly Vietnamese" research. He used various illustrations, such as old ration stamps and historical witnesses, to support each part of his presentation.
Nguyen Thu Huyen, a third-year Japan studies student at Vietnam Japan University, listened and observed professor Furuta intently. She was visibly moved during the lecture, which was part of an appreciation ceremony marking the end of his rectorship. Huyen noted that she first heard him lecture directly in Vietnamese last year in a comparative sociology course on Vietnam and Japan.
Huyen remarked, "He maintains a slow, thorough, lively, and easy-to-understand lecturing style. His lectures always contain a lot of information."
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Professor Furuta Motoo during a lecture for students at Vietnam Japan University. *Photo: VJU* |
Professor Furuta Motoo earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Tokyo in 1974 and his PhD in 1990. Fluent in Vietnamese, he is a leading Vietnam scholar and a respected expert on Vietnamese history and politics.
In 2016, he came to Vietnam to become the rector of Vietnam Japan University, making him the first foreign rector of a member institution under Vietnam National University, Hanoi. He made significant contributions to fostering an international learning environment and expanding opportunities for academic exchange and scholarships for students.
His accolades include an honorary PhD from Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and the Friendship Medal. Notably, he was the first foreigner to receive a State Prize for Science and Technology for his research on the 1945 famine, conducted with professor Van Tao.
Professor Furuta Motoo frequently awarded scholarships to students at Vietnam Japan University, often funded by royalties from his research works or prize money. Last year, upon receiving the Bao Son Prize, he donated one billion dong to the scholarship fund.
Associate Professor Pham Bao Son, Deputy Director of Vietnam National University, Hanoi, commended professor Furuta's dedication to researching Vietnamese history with an objective, scientific, and heartfelt perspective. He added that professor Furuta Motoo's contributions have elevated Vietnam studies beyond national borders, creating a strong bridge of knowledge connecting Japan and Vietnam.
Mr. Son remarked, "A lecture will conclude, a term will end. But the values and positive imprints forged by his dedication will continue to spread, inspiring future generations of staff, lecturers, and students."
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Associate Professor Pham Bao Son presented the 'For the Development of Vietnam National University, Hanoi' commemorative medal to professor Furuta Motoo during the appreciation ceremony on 24/3. *Photo: VJU* |
Duong Tam
