The digital transformation era has profoundly reshaped higher education, driving the need for innovative approaches in foreign language teaching. In Vietnam, Japanese language education plays a crucial role in fostering human resources for economic and cultural cooperation with Japan. This study aims to examine trends in innovation in Japanese language teaching methods at Vietnamese universities under digital transformation. Using a mixed-method approach, the research combines secondary data (policy reports, international literature, and statistical data) with primary data from a survey of 100 students and 20 Japanese language lecturers across three major universities. The findings reveal that blended learning, flipped classrooms, gamification, and artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools are increasingly applied to improve teaching effectiveness and student engagement. However, challenges remain, including limited digital infrastructure, financial barriers, and teacher resistance to technological adoption. The study proposes policy directions and practical solutions to strengthen the integration of digital tools in Japanese language education. By doing so, universities can enhance the quality of teaching, personalize learning experiences, and prepare students for the demands of global integration