Students, teachers and parents pose for a commemorative photo at the ceremony marking the new academic year at Cây Tre (Bamboo) Vietnamese Language School in Osaka, Japan on Saturday. — VNA/VNS Photo Nguyễn Tuyến

TOKYO — The Cây Tre (Bamboo) Vietnamese Language School held an opening ceremony for its 2026 academic year at the Higashi Osaka Cultural Centre on Saturday, highlighting efforts to preserve the Vietnamese language among overseas communities.

The event was attended by a representative from the Vietnamese Consulate General in Osaka, along with parents, students, and representatives from Vietnamese language classes in nearby localities, including Yao City.

Speaking at the ceremony, the school principal Lê Thương outlined the school’s development and underscored the importance of the Vietnamese language in connecting generations of overseas Vietnamese.

She noted that in the context of deepening global integration, maintaining the mother tongue helps younger generations better understand their roots, fostering family bonds and a sense of connection to their homeland.

She added that the 2026 school year is launched in line with Politburo Resolution No 80-NQ/TW on developing Vietnamese culture. The school’s activities, she said, serve as a practical example of implementing this policy, contributing to building a united and sustainable Vietnamese community in Japan.

Currently, the school has around 80 students divided into three classes, including two in-person and one online. In addition to formal lessons, it organises extracurricular activities and exchanges to strengthen bonds among students and create a dynamic learning environment.

The teaching staff comprises 12 members, including three professionally trained teachers and nine volunteers who support classroom activities.

The ceremony featured cultural performances by students, showcasing traditional Vietnamese songs and dances, and creating a lively atmosphere warmly received by parents and guests. — VNA/VNS