Brian Jeffrey
Unique Vietnamese Wedding Tradition Captivates Foreign Guests
In many rural parts of Vietnam, it is common for guests to take home leftover food from a wedding ceremony, a practice that often surprises foreigners. Recently, a Japanese woman shared her amusing experience with this tradition online.
In a viral video, Sakata Kanako, a 27-year-old from Fukuoka, was perplexed when her husband, Vu Khac Linh, handed her a plastic bag and asked her to fill it with food. Her reaction was one of disbelief, prompting her to question, “Are you serious?”
As Vietnamese guests encouraged her to take food, including sticky rice and pork pie, the young homemaker initially hesitated but eventually joined in the fun, laughing at the unusual custom.
Originally posted in November 2024, the video has gained immense popularity on TikTok, racking up 1.9 million views, 44,000 likes, and numerous comments.
A Charming Cross-Cultural Encounter
The couple attended the wedding in rural Vietnam, showcasing an enriching blend of cultures. Linh recalled Kanako’s expression of surprise when she received the bag. The joyous atmosphere made people laugh, and Kanako later described the tradition as quite unique.
Linh expressed his astonishment at the video’s success, and the couple often shares snippets of their daily lives and Kanako’s adventures in Vietnamese culture on their TikTok channel.
Adventures in Vietnam
Every year, the couple visits Vietnam, allowing Kanako to immerse herself in the local culture. They have been married for four years and run a business that offers Japanese language courses for Vietnamese learners, among other ventures.
They initially met in 2019 when Linh sought employment at Kanako’s workplace. “She was drawn to my looks, but I admired her kindness, maturity, and people skills,” Linh shared. Their bond deepened as Kanako appreciated Linh’s sense of responsibility towards family.
A Harmonious Relationship
The couple has enjoyed a harmonious relationship, seldom facing significant arguments. Kanako would often visit Linh during holidays, solidifying their connection even during separations.
After a year and a half of dating, they decided to marry, capturing wedding photos in Vietnam while planning a ceremony. Linh emphasized that Kanako has embraced Vietnamese culture, delighting in various dishes, including those that are less popular, like bun dau mam tom (noodles with tofu and shrimp paste) and bun oc (snail vermicelli). Although she is curious about durian, its strong odor has yet to tempt her.
In addition to culinary experiences, Kanako participates in family traditions, accompanying Linh to ancestral graves and offering incense at altars, indicating her integration into Vietnamese customs. She also wore the traditional ao dai while visiting Hanoi’s landmarks.
While they maintain a peaceful marriage, they occasionally navigate work-related disagreements but complement each other well. Linh lovingly remarked, “Kanako is a wonderful wife—nurturing and supportive, making her truly perfect in my eyes.”
