This year, for the first time, the Award was presented to the representative of Vietnam. The joint award representing Vietnam was awarded to the Faculty of Japanese Language and Culture, ULIS – VNU, Faculty of Japanese Language – Foreign Trade University in Hanoi, and Faculty of Japanese Language – Hanoi University.

The Japan Foundation International Exchange Award is bestowed to individuals and organizations to honor their great contributions in promoting mutual understanding in the development of relations between Japan and other countries through cultural activities such as art, academia, etc.