Vietnam's history told via Japanese
The Vietnamese-Japanese bilingual edition of A Brief History of Vietnam in Pictures bridges cultures and generations by offering a rare gateway to Vietnam’s rich heritage for Japanese-speaking readers worldwide.
THE HANOI TIMES — The Vietnamese-Japanese bilingual edition of A Brief History of Vietnam in Pictures was launched to strengthen the cultural bond between Vietnam and Japan .
The art performance at the comic book launching ceremony on June 19 in Hanoi. Photo: Kim Dong Kids
Released this week by Kim Dong Publishing House, this special edition showcases Vietnam's rich history and culture to Japanese readers while enhancing international publishing collaboration and Vietnamese values globally.
Translated by Shimizu Masaaki and edited by Dr. Kondo Mika and Prof. Dr. Okada Masashi, the book supports cultural preservation among younger Vietnamese generations overseas and appeals to Japanese readers interested in Vietnamese heritage.
According to Le Thuong, President of the General Association of Vietnamese in the Kansai region of Japan, Vietnam’s national defense and building spirit flows from the past into the present and future. Sharing this history in Japanese is especially meaningful for those in Japan who cherish Vietnam.
The illustration of A Brief History of Vietnam in Pictures by artist Ta Huy Long.
"This book is a precious resource that helps second- and third-generation Vietnamese children in Japan learn about their roots while benefiting students of Japanese studying Vietnamese historical language content," she stated.
Originally published in 2011, A Brief History of Vietnam in Pictures has sold over 200,000 copies and has been released in four editions: the original Vietnamese, a Vietnamese-English bilingual edition, a Korean edition, and now a Vietnamese-Japanese bilingual edition.
It is the first panoramic picture book about Vietnamese history created specifically for children. Featuring contributions from authors Hieu Minh and Huyen Trang, artist Ta Huy Long, and historian Duong Trung Quoc, the book presents key events and milestones from the Hong Bang era (2879 BC) to the modern day in a uniquely engaging format.
Designed for young readers, the 100-page, visually rich historical panorama of Vietnam combines concise text with vivid illustrations by Ta Huy Long.
The comic book on Vietnamese history translated into many languages.
"We aim to present Vietnam’s history in the most concise and memorable form for children, and the illustrations convey ideas better than words,” said author Hieu Minh.
With vivid illustrations and thoughtful storytelling, A Brief History of Vietnam in Pictures acts as a cultural bridge among generations and nations, inspiring a love for history, strengthening cross-cultural understanding, and promoting Vietnamese identity around the world.
