Here is the story from NGO XUAN HUY san, a 3rd year Ph.D. student from Vietnam. He belongs to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

●What was your first impression when coming to Izumo?
I came to Japan for the first time on Aug. 9, 2019. My friend picked me up at Izumo-shi station.
It was really reassuring to have a friend to teach me the knacks of living in Izumo. He showed me around Izumo and what impressed me the most was how quiet it was. My hometown, Ho Chi Minh City, has a large population and is very crowded everywhere. During rush hours, in particular, the roads are filled with cars and motorcycles. Having lived there for more than three years, I have realized that Izumo is the right place to focus on my study and research thanks to its peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.

●What has been your biggest culture shock since coming to Japan?
Actually, I don’t remember any culture shock I might have had.  Maybe there were some, but I guess all of them were minor. I think that’s because the cultures of Vietnam and Japan are not far from each other. Rather than culture shocks, I have been moved by the kindness of Japanese people several times. They seem to give a helping hand as soon as they find someone in trouble, even foreigners like me, despite the language barrier. My former secretary was just like that. When I bank-transferred the dormitory rent for the first time, I put the wrong bank account number on the ATM. I realized the problem afterward. When she saw me at a loss, she kindly went to the bank with me to explain the situation to the officer and solve it. Thanks to her, I got no damage. Two years later, she helped me again, even after her retirement. This time, it’s about the electricity bill. I forgot to pay for it before going back to my country this June. After returning to Izumo, I found that the utility firm had stopped the electricity in my dormitory. I was a bit in a panic. My phone had her number, and I instantly called her. She came to my room with her husband in a rush. After grasping the situation, she contacted the firm to confirm what to do to restart the electricity. Having discussed it with the officer, the electricity resumed. She solved it just in one hour. I will never forget these experiences. 

●What’s your favorite sightseeing spot in Japan?
Matsue Castle. I’ve been there twice. My first visit was in the cherry blossoming season, and I went with two other international students from Vietnam at Matsue campus. They invited me to join them. It was in the evening, and the castle had already closed. But I admired the appearance lit up against the backdrop of the cherry trees. My second visit was with another international student from India. She belongs to the same department as mine. Her dad also accompanied us. It was in the daytime, and we were able to enter it. The inside was beyond my imagination. I was moved in particular by the armor helmets with historical value and the beautiful wood staircases. The 360 panoramic view from the top of the castle keep was marvelous. 

To see more, please go to “Hello, Friends!! Vol.23”
 

by NGO XUAN HUY, February 2023