TBS and Vietnam's national television station VTV held a party September 16, 2013 to celebrate the completion of "The Partner," a joint production commemorating the 40th year of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In attendance were cast members Noriyuki Higashiyama, Pham Huynh Dong, Yuichi Nakamaru, Nguyen Lan Phuong and Mana Ashida, as well as Hoang Trung Hai, Deputy Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and other representatives of the Vietnamese government and the international media. Guests from Japan included Masahiko Shibayama, Senior Vice-Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications, Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera and Tsutomu Takebe, President of the Japan-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance and former Diet member, as well as leading representatives of the Japanese business community.

Deputy Prime Minister Hai commented that "the joint production was a significant achievement of cultural exchange." In a video message, Japanese Prime Minister Abe commended the joint production, expressing his hope that "many in both countries will enjoy the drama, deepening appreciation of our shared history and cultural ties."

TBS President Toshichika Ishihara remarked "As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Vietnam, this achievement is deeply significant, and I wish to congratulate the actors and crew from both countries on their most impressive work."

In addition to marking the completion of the drama, the ceremony represented the high hopes for further strengthening of ties between the two countries.

Beyond this drama project, TBS and VTV agreed to future cooperation in news program production. As required, the broadcasters are to provide news footage to each other and to share satellite transmission equipment and broadcasting facilities.

In addition, a TBS Drama Festival is to be held in Vietnam. Beginning in October, over 100 hours of popular TBS dramas will be broadcast on weekday evenings, including "Boys Over Flowers," "Jin," and "Bloody Monday."

The broadcast of Japanese dramas Monday through Friday in accordance with the region's viewing patterns is a rare honor.

◆ The special drama "The Partner"will be broadcast in Japan September 29 from 9pm to 11:03pm.

Featured actors include Noriyuki Higashiyama, Pham Huynh Dong, Emi Takei, Nguyen Lan Phuong and Mana Ashida.

◆ TBS Drama Festival

From October 16, 2013 to April 3, 2014 (tentative) TBS dramas will be broadcast from 22:30 to 23:30 (Vietnam local time) on Vietnam's leading entertainment channel, VTV 3. Dramas to be broadcast include "Boys Over Flowers," "Jin," and "Beginners!."