From Storeroom to Classroom — Where Vietnamese Lives On in the Heart of Japan

A free Vietnamese class for children opens in Hikone, Shiga

In early April, in the city of Hikone, a very special class officially opened its doors.

No big sign out front, no grand facility. Just about 30 families gathered together in a warm, lively space — the laughter of small children mingling with the joy on every parent’s face.

What makes it most special is this: the room wasn’t originally a classroom at all. Before, it was just a barely-used storeroom.

But thanks to dozens of people coming together — each contributing a little effort, a little time — the space was brought back to life. Some cleaned, some repaired, some arranged the furniture. All hands joined to transform an old, tired room into a proper, welcoming classroom.

So this place is not simply a classroom. It is the crystallization of the care, the responsibility, and the love that the community holds for the next generation.

The opening day unfolded in a warm, intimate atmosphere. The organizing team had even prepared phở bò (beef noodle soup) and chè (Vietnamese sweet dessert) — the flavors of home, making everyone feel at ease in the middle of Japan.

The class is organized by the Vietnamese Association in Japan (VAJ), with a goal that is humble but profoundly important: to help children preserve and develop their Vietnamese.

Because, more than anyone else, we understand:

“As long as the Vietnamese language lives, Vietnam lives.”

Parents who are interested can reach out via inbox to register their children.

A small classroom — carrying a very big dream 🌱

#hiephoi #congdong #tiếngviệt