As a foreigner who has been closely associated with Vietnam for nearly 30 years, what aspects of its culture made you fall in love?

I first came to Vietnam in 1995. At that time, there was not much information in Japan about your country. I was so surprised when I arrived in Saigon. My impression of Vietnam changed from then on. Despite the country’s poverty at the time, it was vibrant, with markets full of food, fruits, seafood, and fresh vegetables. I found Vietnamese food to be more diverse and abundant than that of Japan. The second surprise was the friendliness and approachability of the Vietnamese people. This made it an enjoyable and comfortable place to live. In 1999, I went to Tay Bac, the Northwestern region of Vietnam, for the first time, traveling to Lao Cai, Lai Chau, and Dien Bien. At that point I realized that Vietnam is home to many ethnic minority groups, each preserving their unique culture and traditions. It made me even more eager to explore Vietnam further. 

What do you think can help Vietnamese people – especially members of minority groups in the highlands – to preserve their culture and develop sustainable tourism?

The cultures and customs of Vietnamese ethnic groups are incredibly diverse. Moreover, the landscapes of highland villages are stunning. I am especially fascinated by the earthen houses and ancient structures in the mountainous areas. These are also resources for developing tourism. But the traditional landscapes and cultures of these ethnic groups are fading and disappearing. If no actions are taken soon, they will someday vanish. I decided to help a village of Lo Lo people by opening a café in one of these earthen houses. If nothing is done, they will certainly destroy the earthen houses and build modern ones. I believe that opening a café for tourists will encourage the locals to preserve the landscape and provide them with a source of income.

You have made many trips between Vietnam and Japan. Have you ever read Heritage Magazine? What are your thoughts on the contents of this publication?

I have been traveling with Vietnam Airlines for 28 years now. In the past, there wasn’t much information about travel destinations in Vietnam, so the articles in Heritage were useful for foreign travelers like me. Sometimes, Heritage introduces the cultures of ethnic minority groups. I like these articles because I get to learn about their lives and customs.

In your opinion, what should Heritage Magazine do to continue to effectively introduce Vietnam’s culture, people, and natural beauty to international readers?

With so much information available on the Internet, Heritage Magazine must keep captivating its readers. Reporters should strive to delve deeper into their subjects, writing articles based on their personal experiences. It would also be beneficial to have foreign correspondents who provide different perspectives. 

Thank you!