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Promoting good relations between Japan and Vietnam

Ta Thi Khanh Hoa from the School of Commerce

I started dreaming about studying abroad when I was a junior high school student. Today, here in Japan, my life is full of discoveries and I learn something new every day. I sometimes wonder if this is really happening. Or, am I living in a dream world?

I came to Japan for the first time four years ago. I left Vietnam for the first time, took my first flight, and went to live on my own for the first time. A life packed with first-time experiences had begun. I felt Japan was truly a developed country—everything was sparkling clean and high-tech, from large objects like trains and skyscrapers to small objects such as bidet toilet seats. I hope that someday my family can experience what I am experiencing in Japan and that everyone in Vietnam can enjoy a convenient and comfortable life.

At the ICC Vietnam Festival, we introduced our country through folk songs, traditional martial arts, and tasting local dishes.

My dream is to serve as a bridge between Japan and Vietnam and make Vietnam into a “second Japan” while helping the two nations develop a good relationship. The reason why I am working at the International Community Center (ICC) is because I want to introduce the Vietnamese culture to many people. During the spring semester, I was able to hold an event called “Vietnam Festival.” I planned the event, worked with many parties—including the embassy—and provided many people with a positive experience. The whole event became a valuable experience for me.

I would like to continue doing what I can to promote an understanding of Vietnam to the Japanese people and show the wonderful features of Japan to the Vietnamese people.

Japan’s unique gesture of kindness on escalators. I was surprised to see people vacating one side of the escalator for those who were in a hurry. I was impressed with how Japanese people paid attention to others and were considerate of them.