Kanako’s New Life in Vietnam

Meet Kawkami Kanako, a 26-year-old from Japan who has made her home in the picturesque Central Highlands of Vietnam.

After marrying Vo Ba Thanh, a local resident from Dak Lak, she is immersing herself in the rich traditions, flavors, and culture of the region.

Kanako and Thanh’s love story began in 2020 at Kansai Airport in Japan. Despite facing multiple rejections, Thanh’s persistent affection and sincerity eventually led Kanako to accept his advances, and they began their romantic journey together.

When Kanako was ready to introduce Thanh to her family, she traveled to Vietnam to meet his parents, where she quickly felt included. “From the start, they treated me like family, making sure I was comfortable and satisfied,” she expressed.

The couple tied the knot in late 2022, with Kanako’s parents joining the celebrations in Vietnam.

Kanako was pleasantly surprised by the vibrant traditions of her Vietnamese wedding, noting the extensive guest list, enthusiastic toasting, and spontaneous entertainment. “I was amazed by how many family and friends pitched in for cooking and cleaning; they weren’t hired help but rather our loved ones,” she recounted.

After the wedding, Kanako committed to living in Vietnam, wanting to support Thanh, who felt most at home in Dak Lak. She is now employed at a Japanese language center and is gradually adjusting to life in the Highlands.

She has discovered the warmth of Vietnam’s close community culture, where sharing meals and support is common. “It’s heartwarming that neighbors invite each other to share food; it’s something I wasn’t accustomed to before,” she shared.

Kanako has embraced various Vietnamese customs, especially the intricate rituals of ancestor worship. She respects the formality of these practices, such as dressing appropriately for incense offerings, which enhances their sacredness.

Moreover, her culinary adventure has been significant. Originally apprehensive about items like durian and shrimp paste, she has grown to love dishes like bun dau mam tom (tofu with shrimp paste), bun mam (fermented fish noodle soup), and bun oc (snail noodle soup). “My in-laws have a durian orchard, and I enjoy the best fruits. I wasn’t a fan of shrimp paste initially, but it became a favorite thanks to my husband’s encouragement,” she remarked.

Kanako expresses her gratitude for her supportive in-laws who treat her with the same affection as their own daughter. “They approach me with such kindness and don’t impose expectations, making me feel deeply loved,” she noted.

Now residing in Vietnam, Kanako describes her experience as starting anew, learning the language and culture with guidance from her in-laws and the support of her husband. Through social media, she shares her unique journey, inspiring many along the way.