Japan and Vietnam leaders meet in Tokyo as ties deepen

2026-11-09 · Politics · Japan · Vietnam

The leaders of Japan and Vietnam will meet in Tokyo on Monday, NHK reported, as Vietnam's top leader, To Lam, visits Japan seeking more Japanese investment and cooperation. A survey cited by Yonhap found that 92% of South Korean companies operating in Vietnam want to stay despite rising labour costs, underscoring the country's role as a manufacturing hub. Vietnam will also take the baton from Seoul to host the next gathering of ruling and opposition parties from across Asia and Oceania in 2028, after the International Conference of Asian Political Parties concluded two days of plenary sessions in Seoul.

Why it matters：Japan is courting Vietnam as a manufacturing and strategic partner as supply chains shift away from China and Hanoi balances ties with multiple powers.

Key points

• Vietnam's leader To Lam is seeking more Japanese investment.
• 92% of South Korean firms in Vietnam want to stay despite rising labour costs.
• Vietnam will host the Asian political parties gathering in 2028.

Sources (original reporting)

• NHK
• Nikkei Asia
• The Korea Herald
• Yonhap

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