Vi Trang LE
(ICC Student Staff Leader)
Organizing Vietnamese Culture Night at Waseda University was both a very personal and fulfilling experience. As an international student from Vietnam, I have long felt that I wanted to spread the culture, history, and spirit of Vietnam to others. Starting a new life in a foreign nation may be isolating at times, and I realized that there are many other Vietnamese students at Waseda who, like me, are far away from home, living in Japan while trying to maintain our heritage. With this vision in mind, I facilitated an event that not only brought the hidden charms of Vietnam to the rest of Waseda community but also served as a gathering place where Vietnamese students could reunite, exchange, and be proud of their culture.
Photo by ICC
The Vietnamese Culture Night was initiated with the purpose of providing an interactive and participatory experience for international as well as Japanese students. Too often, what we understand about Vietnam gets simplified to a few shallow stereotypes: popular travel spots, phở, or conical hats. This event, I believed, would move beyond that and convey the depth and variety of Vietnamese culture in an educational and entertaining way.
The evening began with a powerful and emotional performance of Vietnam’s national anthem, performed by Vietnamese student volunteers (Supporters) at Waseda University. This was a brief moment, but it was symbolic and emotional. It set the tone for the evening: a celebration of national pride and unity among us who are away from home as well as opening to non-Vietnamese participants the sense of belonging to that moment of cultural significance. This was followed by a presentation by a group of Vietnamese student volunteers in which lesser-known aspects of Vietnamese society and culture were brought to light. Instead of sharing facts which might otherwise be read in travel brochures, we discussed cultural values, traditional practices, and views of life on the current day of Vietnam. It was especially meaningful for us to be the ones telling our own story in our own words rather than being spoken for.
Photo by ICC
A Journey through Flavors: Discovering Vietnam One Bite at a Time
Food is always a central part of any culture, and we made sure to offer a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes to engage the participants’ senses. We served Bún bò Huế (spicy beef noodle soup from central Vietnam), spring rolls, salt coffee (a unique specialty from Huế), and refreshing drinks like peach tea and lemon tea. It was heartwarming to see the participants enjoy the tastes of Vietnam, as to some people, that was the first time they could experience the Vietnamese cuisine.
Summer rolls Workshop and a Showcase of Traditions through Exhibition
Photo by ICC
One of the most popular and engaging parts of the event was the summer roll wrapping experience, where participants got hands-on experience making their own rolls under the guidance of Vietnamese Supporters. This not only provided a fun activity but also encouraged communication and interaction among participants. Many students told us they felt more connected through this shared experience.
We also introduced traditional Vietnamese clothing, such as the áo dài, and explained their historical and cultural significance. Alongside this, traditional decorative items often used during festivals or in Vietnamese households were also showcased. These items, with their vibrant colors and symbolic meanings, were new to many attendees and served as a gateway to deeper cultural understanding.
To close the night, we invited everyone to join in the traditional bamboo dance. This lively and interactive activity brought laughter, movement, and a sense of community. It helped break down language barriers and gave people a chance to enjoy the rhythm and energy that’s so central to Vietnamese cultural celebrations.
Photo by ICC
While the event turned out to be a success, it did not come without its hardships. As the planner and main person in charge of this event, I had to manage a series of tasks from concept creation and poster design, advertisement, volunteer coordination, etc from the planning stage until D-Day. It was particularly challenging to balance this project alongside my academic responsibilities and other events I am in charge of at the ICC. There were moments of doubt and exhaustion, and times that I felt overwhelmed managing such a large-scale event. Thanks to the generous support of many people, including my adviser, my colleagues who assisted as staff members, and the volunteer Vietnamese students who joined along the way, we were able to bring the event to life and see it through to a successful conclusion. I am deeply grateful for everyone’s cooperation and support. It also taught me the importance of time management, communication, and trusting others to share responsibility.
Despite the difficulties, I feel a deep sense of fulfillment. Seeing students of various nationalities come together, try something new, and walk away with a greater appreciation of Vietnam made all the effort worthwhile. It wasn’t just about showcasing food or performances, it was about creating connections, sparking interest, and breaking stereotypes. One participant told me, “I didn’t know much about Vietnam before, but thanks to this event, now I want to visit and explore it.” That, to me, was the biggest reward.
In the end, Vietnamese Culture Night was not an event alone. It was a bridge of cultures, and a reminder that our identities are resilient when we choose to share them. My hope is that this event encouraged people to learn more about Vietnam and encouraged fellow Vietnamese students to be proud of their heritage. I look forward to more opportunities where we can continue learning from one another and building a truly intercultural community at Waseda University.
Photo by ICC
