RƯỢU AND SAKE: BRIDGING TRADITION, INNOVATION, AND GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam and Vietnam National Institute of Culture and Arts Studies (VICAS) are collaborating to organize an international seminar “Alcoholic Beverages in the Traditional Cultures of Vietnam and Japan: Connecting Cultural Heritages and the International Community”. Traditional alcoholic beverages are not just drinks but an integral part of cultural heritage in many countries. In Vietnam and Japan, traditional rice wines and sake have played a crucial role in daily life, rituals, and festivals for centuries. However, both nations face challenges in preserving traditional brewing methods amid modernization and globalization. This seminar aims to highlight the cultural, historical, and economic significance of traditional alcoholic beverages, discuss the challenges of preserving brewing traditions, and create opportunities for international exchange through the shared heritage of traditional alcohol production.

In Vietnam, traditional rice wine and ethnic specialty brews are more than just a product; they embody regional identity and reflect the cultural diversity of ethnic communities. With over 50 ethnic groups across the country, Vietnam has a wide variety of traditional alcoholic beverages, such as “rượu cần” of the Ê Đê, “rượu ngô” of the H’Mông, and “rượu gạo” of the Kinh people. These wines are deeply embedded in community rituals, festivals, and social gatherings. Despite their historical value, traditional wine production faces challenges such as commercialization, inconsistent quality control, and competition from industrial alcohol production. The lack of proper documentation and protection measures raises concerns about the sustainability of this cultural heritage.

On the other hand, Japan has a similarly rich brewing tradition, with sake being a central element of its cultural identity. With over 1,000 years of history, sake was initially used in religious ceremonies before becoming a fundamental part of Japanese cuisine and social life. The craftsmanship of sake brewing emphasizes precision, high-quality ingredients, and unique regional characteristics. While the sake industry has expanded globally, it also faces difficulties, including declining domestic consumption, an aging workforce, and the challenge of maintaining traditional techniques in a rapidly evolving market. The recognition of sake brewing as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in December 2024 highlights the need to protect its heritage while ensuring its future sustainability.

Despite differences in production techniques and cultural contexts, Vietnamese traditional wine and Japanese sake share common values in community bonding, cultural preservation, and international exchange. This seminar will explore the similarities and differences between these two traditional beverages, providing a platform for discussion on the role of alcohol in rituals, daily life, and global commercialization. Experts will share insights into how both countries are preserving and adapting their traditional alcohol industries to the modern world, allowing attendees to gain a deeper understanding of the future of traditional alcoholic beverages.

EVENT INFORMATION

EVENT AGENDA

■ Credit
Organizer: The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam
Co-organizer: Vietnam National Institute of Culture and Arts Studies (VICAS)

SPEAKER INFORMATION

1. Associate Professor Dr. KISHI Yasuyuki

Born in Tokyo in 1979.

He completed his doctoral studies at Waseda University’s Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies. After serving as an assistant at Waseda University and as a specially appointed assistant professor at the Manufacturing Management Research Center of the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Economics, he was appointed as an associate professor at the Faculty of Economics, Niigata University, in 2012. Since 2018, he has also served as the Deputy Director of Sakeology Center, Niigata University.

His research focuses on the organizational theory of sake breweries, the overseas expansion of traditional industries, and the balance between tradition and innovation. He pioneered the concept of “Sakeology” – a comprehensive scientific approach to sake studies integrating industry, government, and academia – and played a central role in establishing the Niigata University Sakeology Center.

Currently, he is engaged in research and educational activities aimed at establishing “Sakeology,” originating from Niigata University, as a globally recognized academic discipline.

2. Professor BUI Quang Thanh

Professor, Doctor, and Outstanding Educator Bui Quang Thanh is a former Head of the Department of Foreign Cultural and Artistic Studies at the Vietnam National Institute of Culture and Arts. He is a member of the Vietnam Folklore Association, the Hanoi Folklore Association, and the Hanoi Writers’ Association. He has published numerous works and research articles on ethnic cultural heritage, and has participated in the preparation of several intangible cultural heritage dossiers submitted to UNESCO for inclusion in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

He has also been involved in training and supervising doctoral and master’s students at the Vietnam National Institute of Culture and Arts, as well as at various other national institutes and universities. He has published nearly 200 scientific articles in specialized scientific journals both domestically and internationally. Currently, he serves as the Chair of the Scientific Council at the Institute for the Development of Ethnic Culture, and is a member of the Scientific Council of the Vietnam National Institute of Culture and Arts, as well as a member of the Scientific Council at the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in the Hanoi region.

3. Dr. LE Thi Khanh Ly

Dr. Le Thi Khanh Ly is currently serving at Hanoi University of Culture as the Head of the Department of Foreign Cultural Studies. She instructs several key subjects, including World Civilization History, World Cultures, Cultural Diplomacy, Vietnamese Marine Culture, and Cultural Project Development. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she actively participates in numerous scientific research projects at the Ministry, City, and University levels. She is also the author and co-author of various monographs and textbooks that support her teaching and research endeavors.

Dr. Le Thi Khanh Ly has published a significant number of scientific articles in specialized journals both nationally and internationally. Her works contribute not only to elucidating important aspects of international cultural exchange but also have practical implications for the formulation of Vietnam’s foreign cultural policy. Dr. Le Thi Khanh Ly has a particular interest in the culture, history, and foreign policy of Japan, with a focus on Japanese cultural diplomacy. Her research not only clarifies the evolution of Japanese cultural diplomacy across various periods but also contextualizes it within international relations and Japan’s influence in the East Asian and Southeast Asian regions, including Vietnam.

■ For inquiries on the Japanese speaker interview, please contact at:
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Ms. Anh (083-369-1818) / Mr. Osuka (070-513-7550)
The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam
27 Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
TEL: 024-3944-7419