A TALK ON CHAM ETHNIC MINORITY BY PROF. IKEMOTO YUKIO, UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO

In the midst of the pandemic, Vietnamese ethnic group is still a topic that receives lots of attention from scholars all over the world. The online meeting on Cham ethnic group, hosted by Prof Ikemoto Yukio and Photographer Aoki Yukiko (University of Tokyo) was held on June 27th, with the participation of Dr Tran Dinh Lam (Director of CVSEAS), Assoc. Prof. Thanh Phan and Ms Nguyen Thuy, lecturer of Van Lang University. Prof Ikemoto also collaborated with USSH before in the study on Interdisciplinary Study on Poverty based on Capability Approach. 

To start off the discussion, Ms Aoki told the story that connected her with the people and culture of the Cham minority. When visiting Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang and Ninh Thuan in Vietnam, she paid special attention to Cham people in Ninh Thuan province. During her stay in Tuan Tu village, the professor from Japan had an opportunity to take lots of photos of the scenery and people there. From roads with cactus alongside, herds of cows and sheep walking leisurely on dirt roads, a bowl of thick noodles with fish patty- a specialty of Cham people to a moment of a kid having breakfast, all created a tranquil atmosphere of the hometown that left an unforgettable impression on the visitor. 

In addition, Prof Ikemoto and Ms Aoki also posed questions about Cham’s community such as other jobs of the native shamans other than making offerings, what sheep are raised for, and the plant is used as medicine. Other information that the professors have wondered about was also discussed, for instance, whether thick noodle soup originated from Cham people or not, and the fact that they coated circular basket boats with cow dung to make them water-resistant. Every question was full of interest and excitement to know more about Cham’s customs. In the answer section, Prof Thanh Phan gave very clear and detailed explanations to all of the questions, which gained complete satisfaction from both speakers. In the last minutes of the meeting, they expressed their appreciation to the Vietnamese participants for their active engagement.

The talk helps spread the rich culture of Cham people to a part of the international community. This activity also provides more insights for those who are conducting studies on Vietnam’s culture as well as ethnic groups.

Prof. Ikemoto Yukio in the discussion.

Article on the visit of Prof. Ikemoto at VNUHCM USSH to attend the report presentation on The relationship among Japan, China and South Korea from the interdisciplinary ecological agriculture perspective (Visit here)

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