Tokyo:The top Vietnamese leader To Lam and his spouse arrived in Japan for an official visit from November 8 to 11, at the invitation of the Japanese State. This visit marks an important step in the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan, which officially began on September 21, 1973.

According to Socialist Republic of Vietnam Government News, the relationship between Vietnam and Japan has strengthened considerably over the past five decades, culminating in November 2023 when both nations elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world.

Japan currently has 5,800 valid projects in Vietnam, with a total investment capital exceeding US$80.4 billion as of July 2026, making it the third-largest investor in the Southeast Asian nation. Additionally, bilateral trade between the two countries in the first eight months of this year reached US$33.7 billion, marking a 27 percent increase compared to the previous year.

The Vietnamese community in Japan numbers over 520,000, including a growing number of high-quality intellectuals and laborers. Approximately 7,000 Vietnamese IT engineers are currently working in Japan. Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki expressed that To Lam's visit would further promote friendship and cooperation between the two countries under their comprehensive strategic partnership framework.

This visit is significant as it is the first by a Vietnamese General Secretary to Japan in 11 years and the fifth overall. It follows the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae to Vietnam in May this year. The visit is expected to provide an opportunity to elevate the Japan-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to a new level. Following the welcome ceremony, the two leaders engaged in talks.