ONEHEALTH FOUNDATION STRENGTHENS VIETNAM – JAPAN PARTNERSHIP DURING OFFICIAL VISIT TO ŌDATE CITY

Chairman Dr. Nguyen Huynh Dang Khoa presents a symbolic artwork to Mayor Kensuke Ishida, reflecting the Foundation’s principles of Compassion, Altruism, and Felicity

During an official working visit to Japan, the OneHealth Foundation delegation visited Ōdate City in Akita Prefecture as part of its continuing efforts to strengthen cooperation between Vietnam and Japan.

A meaningful moment of the visit was the presentation of a specially selected painting by Dr. Nguyen Huynh Dang Khoa, Ph.D., Chairman of OneHealth Foundation, to Mr. Kensuke Ishida, Mayor of Ōdate City.

The painting features Vietnamese lotus flowers alongside the national flags of Vietnam and Japan. Its imagery conveys friendship, mutual respect and the growing relationship between the two countries. The artwork also reflects OneHealth Foundation’s guiding principles of Compassion, Altruism, and Felicity, demonstrating how art can connect communities and contribute to positive social impact.

Meeting a New Generation of Japanese Leadership

Mayor Kensuke Ishida was elected Mayor of Ōdate City on September 1, 2024, at the age of 27. Following his election, he became Japan’s youngest serving city mayor at that time. The official Ōdate City profile records that he assumed office in September 2024 and continues to serve as the city’s mayor.

The meeting between Mayor Ishida and Dr. Khoa represented an exchange between leaders committed to innovation, international cooperation and the development of opportunities for future generations.

Their discussion formed part of OneHealth Foundation’s broader vision of connecting healthcare, education, human-resource development and community-based initiatives across borders.

Building on the 2024 Partnership

This visit followed cooperation initiated in 2024 between OneHealth Foundation and partners in Japan, including regional chambers of commerce and industry within the broader Japanese business network.

According to OneHealth Foundation’s delegation records, the earlier cooperation also included working exchanges and inspection activities involving representatives connected with Japan’s Parliament. These activities focused particularly on human-resource cooperation and the creation of structured pathways between Vietnam and Japan.

The return engagement in Japan provided an opportunity to review the progress achieved since 2024 and to explore the next stage of collaboration in areas such as:

• Healthcare and elderly-care workforce development
• Professional training and educational exchange
• Employment and internship pathways
• Cultural and community engagement
• Cooperation between Japanese institutions and Vietnamese healthcare and educational organizations

Art as a Bridge Between Communities

For OneHealth Foundation, the presentation of the painting was more than a ceremonial gift. It represented the Foundation’s belief that humanitarian values, culture and creativity can serve as meaningful bridges between people and institutions.

Through its programs and international partnerships, OneHealth Foundation seeks to transform the principles of Compassion, Altruism, and Felicity into practical initiatives that improve healthcare access, expand educational opportunities and promote sustainable community development.

The lotus painting reflects this mission. Its combination of Vietnamese cultural imagery and the flags of Vietnam and Japan symbolizes a partnership founded on trust, friendship and shared responsibility.

Advancing Vietnam–Japan Cooperation

The official visit to Ōdate City marked another important step in the relationship between OneHealth Foundation and its Japanese partners.

OneHealth Foundation looks forward to continuing discussions with Ōdate City, regional chambers of commerce, healthcare organizations, educational institutions and other relevant stakeholders. The Foundation’s objective is to develop cooperation models that create measurable and lasting benefits for communities in both Vietnam and Japan.

Through continued dialogue and coordinated action, OneHealth Foundation remains committed to building an international platform where healthcare, education, culture and human-resource development work together for the common good.

Dr. Nguyen Huynh Dang Khoa, Ph.D. (right), Chairman of OneHealth Foundation, presents a symbolic Vietnam–Japan lotus painting to Mr. Kensuke Ishida (left), Mayor of Ōdate City, during the OneHealth Foundation delegation’s official visit to Akita Prefecture, Japan.