Kawkami Kanako, a 26-year-old Japanese woman, has found her home in Vietnam’s Central Highlands.

Marrying a local man from Dak Lak, she is embracing the region’s rich culture, cuisine, and family traditions with joy and fascination.

A love story across borders

Kanako first met her husband, Vo Ba Thanh, 31, in 2020 while working at Kansai Airport in Japan. Thanh persistently pursued Kanako for a year despite multiple rejections. His unwavering patience and sincerity eventually won her over, and the couple began dating.

When Kanako introduced Thanh to her family, she decided to visit Vietnam to meet his parents.

“I felt like a member of the family right away,” Kanako shared. “They waited for us to eat together and constantly asked if I was tired or hungry.”

The couple married in late 2022 in Vietnam, with Kanako’s parents traveling to attend the ceremony.

A wedding full of surprises

Kanako was astonished by the vibrant and unique aspects of her Vietnamese wedding. She was particularly surprised by the large number of guests, the lively toasts, and the spontaneous singing and dancing.

“What amazed me most was how many neighbors and relatives came to help with cooking and cleaning. At first, I thought they were hired staff, but they were all family and friends,” she recalled.

After the wedding, Kanako decided to live in Vietnam, prioritizing her husband’s happiness. She noticed that Thanh felt more at home in Dak Lak, close to his family and familiar with the local lifestyle.

She now works at a Japanese language center while adapting to life in the Central Highlands.

Kanako has grown to appreciate Vietnam’s close-knit community culture, which she finds warm and supportive. “Neighbors cook and eat together, and they always share food with me. It’s a beautiful tradition I never experienced before,” she said.

Discovering Vietnamese culture and cuisine

Kanako has embraced Vietnamese traditions, particularly the meticulous rituals of ancestor worship. She noted the care and respect involved in these practices, such as dressing formally when offering incense, which adds a sense of sacredness.

Her culinary journey has also been transformative. Initially hesitant about certain foods like durian and fermented shrimp paste, she is now a fan of dishes such as bun dau mam tom (tofu with fermented shrimp paste), bun mam (fermented fish noodle soup), and bun oc (snail noodle soup).

“My in-laws have a durian orchard, and they always let me have the best pieces,” she said. “As for shrimp paste, I didn’t like it at first, but after trying it with my husband, I was hooked.”

A supportive family

Kanako feels fortunate to have understanding and supportive in-laws who treat her like their own daughter.

“They always smile when talking to me and never impose rules or expectations. I feel the same love and care from them as I do from my own parents,” she shared.

Living in Vietnam, Kanako describes herself as a child learning the language and culture from scratch. With her in-laws’ guidance and her husband’s support, she has built a fulfilling life in Dak Lak, capturing moments of her unique journey on social media, where her story has inspired many.

Thanh Minh