Kanagawa governor honors Vietnam

Over 50 years of diplomatic relations have passed, yet never has Vietnam’s position in Japan been as strongly and warmly affirmed as it is today. Amidst the upgrade to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," the recent Monthly Kanagawa Time #22 was far more than a standard news broadcast. Hosted by Governor Kuroiwa Yuji himself, the program served as an emotional testament to the "kindred spirit" shared between our two nations—a bond where cultural empathy blurs international borders.

When "foreign" feels like family

The show’s charm lay in the sharp, surprising insights of guest speaker Mr. Yamada Takeo, former Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam. Moving beyond diplomatic pleasantries, Mr. Yamada offered a perspective that fills any Vietnamese heart with pride.

He observed that while Vietnam is geographically Southeast Asian, its historical and cultural soul is deeply rooted in "North East Asia." ^[4]; This resemblance isn't superficial; it runs deep through our mindset, Mahayana Buddhist traditions, and even the simple act of using chopsticks.

A delightful moment arose when the two leaders realized the linguistic "twins" our languages share. Words like "kết hôn" (marriage/kekkon), "chú ý" (attention/chui), and "ý kiến" (opinion/iken) sound remarkably similar due to shared Sino-roots. This creates a natural compatibility. Mr. Yamada beautifully compared Vietnamese society to Japan’s traditional "Satoyama" culture—a village lifestyle where community solidarity and neighborly affection are paramount. This explains why Vietnamese and Japanese people often feel like old friends, or even family, from the very first meeting.

Melodies that connect us

Governor Kuroiwa’s affection for Vietnam transcends policy; it shines through in his enthusiastic cultural engagement.

In a heartwarming reveal, the Governor shared that he is personally learning Vietnamese to sing "Blue Light Yokohama"—a classic Japanese hit—in our mother tongue, hoping to bridge hearts through music. He also expressed genuine delight at seeing Vietnamese youth memorizing Japanese anime songs, proving that soft power is the true bridge between worlds.

This exchange is a two-way street. Beyond welcoming us at the Vietnam Festa in Kanagawa, the prefecture actively reaches out with the Kanagawa Festival in Vietnam. Held annually in Hanoi and Da Nang, this event sees Vietnamese students showcasing their Japanese eloquence and love for the Land of the Rising Sun ^[5]. It affirms a relationship of equality and mutual respect: Kanagawa doesn’t just wait for us to visit; they come to us to build friendship.

From Princess Anio to a belief in Vietnamese intellect

The program also featured touching moments regarding the opera project "Princess Anio," symbolizing the 400-year-old romance between merchant Araki Sotaro and Princess Ngoc Hoa ^[2]. Governor Kuroiwa emotionally recounted receiving a flute as a keepsake from General Secretary To Lam. The flute references a legendary scene where Princess Ngoc Hoa used music to calm a raging elephant to save her husband—a romanticized historical detail, yet rich in humanism.

Beyond culture, Vietnamese talent was highly praised. Former Ambassador Yamada likened the Vietnamese people to the "Indians of Southeast Asia" for their exceptional mathematical mindset and prowess in natural sciences. With the Vietnamese community being the second largest in Kanagawa and the largest foreign workforce in Japan ^[6], we are rapidly evolving from manual labor to strategic partners in high-tech industries.

Banh Mi Xin Chao: a culinary ambassador in Kanagawa

Immersed in this vibrant cultural flow, Banh Mi Xin Chao is proud to be a culinary ambassador, bringing the flavors of home to the affectionate land of Kanagawa. Our presence here is not just business; it is a continuation of the "heart-to-heart" connection that Governor Kuroiwa and the community are nurturing.

To answer the love of Kanagawa locals and our compatriots, we have established two strategic homes:

Banh Mi Xin Chao Ofuna (Kamakura, Kanagawa): Located in the historic city of Kamakura, which shares a deep Buddhist heritage similar to Hoi An. The Ofuna store is a crossroads where Japanese nostalgia meets the rustic charm of Vietnamese banh mi, offering a "welcome home" feeling for expats and a unique cultural escape for locals.

Banh Mi Xin Chao Marui Family Mizonokuchi (Kawasaki, Kanagawa): Situated in the dynamic industrial hub of Kawasaki, this store represents modern integration. It’s where Japanese and Vietnamese youth meet over crispy banh mi, embodying "glocalization"—blending the Vietnamese soul into the modern pulse of Japan.

A shared future

Monthly Kanagawa Time #22 sent a powerful message: Vietnam-Japan relations are in a brilliant "honeymoon" phase, built on deep understanding from language to people.

Banh Mi Xin Chao is honored to be a small but enduring piece of this beautiful mosaic. We commit to walking alongside cultural festivals like Vietnam Festa, ensuring that every banh mi served in Kanagawa is a warm "Xin Chao," tightening the bond between our two peoples.