One Journey, Endless Joy
January 2, 2026 | Shizuoka, Japan
Traveling hundreds of kilometers from Tokyo back to Shizuoka in the first days of the new year, we carried with us something that could not be measured: the warm sense of belonging that comes from fellow Vietnamese in a foreign land. This year’s Spring Gathering (Hội Xuân) was more than just an event — it was a moment for Vietnamese living far from home to share a breath of the homeland together, in the cold of a Japanese winter.
A Journey That Began on the Afternoon of New Year’s Day
On the afternoon of January 1, the volunteer team from Tokyo arrived in Shizuoka and got straight to work on preparations. Beneath the freshly raised tent, in the biting cold, everyone joined hands to decorate the venue and bring a deeply Vietnamese spring atmosphere to life.
A solemn altar to the ancestors was set up — a familiar yet sacred sight, reminding each of us of our roots even from thousands of kilometers away.
That evening, our Shizuoka community treated the team to a warm meal that washed away the fatigue of the long trip. Laughter rang out and conversation flowed without end — the distance between elders and the younger generation seemed to dissolve into that cozy dinner.
For me personally, that day carried an extra meaning: it also happened to be my birthday. Welcoming a new year of my life surrounded by fellow Vietnamese, in an atmosphere of sharing and volunteer spirit, was a gift beyond price.
The Opening Ceremony — A Vietnamese Tết in the Heart of Japan
At noon on January 2, the opening ceremony took place in an atmosphere that was at once solemn and joyful.
The ancestral rite opened the program. Elders reverently offered incense before the altar, reminding everyone of the principle “drink water, remember the source” — a value that never fades, no matter where we are.
The Spring Gathering then continued with cheerful songs and a vibrant lion dance that lit up the entire hall. Children eagerly received lucky money, played traditional games like ring-toss and target-throwing, and waited with excitement for the lucky numbers in the New Year’s lô tô draw.
A celebration like this could not be complete without the flavors of home. Carefully prepared traditional Vietnamese dishes brought the comforting feeling of returning to a family kitchen — even though we were, in fact, in the middle of a foreign land.
What the Spring Gathering Leaves Behind
Spring Gathering Shizuoka 2026 was more than a festival. Behind the laughter and bright colors lay deeper messages:
Wherever we are, Vietnamese people continue to cherish our culture and honor our roots. The program bridged generations, cultivating mutual understanding between elders and younger members — and from that, building a community that grows stronger by the day. Just as importantly, it was a chance to reunite with old friends, make new ones, and support each other on the journey of building a stable life in Japan.
Words of Thanks
Our deepest thanks go to all the volunteers and benefactors who gave so generously of their time, energy, and resources to make this Spring Gathering a success. It is precisely this quiet dedication that keeps the flame of Vietnamese spirit burning brightly in this foreign land.
May humane activities like these continue to thrive and spread, so that the Vietnamese community in Japan may always remain united, loving, and rich in our cultural identity.
Happy New Year 2026 — may our community keep growing, keep coming together, and keep growing stronger!
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Sponsor: 公益財団法人日本フィランソロピック財団 — First-round grant project, “Tokai Children’s Waku Waku Fund”