Real Voice in Japan #002
Today, I would like to share the story of a wonderful woman I met at Vietnam Festival 2026.
I interviewed her while she was providing catering services at an exhibition event.
Ms. Nguyễn Thị Anh Thư came to Japan from Hai Duong, Vietnam. She joined the company that operates the bánh mì specialty shop Bánh Mì Bà Ba four months ago and is already regarded as a promising employee by the company’s president, Mr. Tawa. (She is working in Japan under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa status.)
Dreaming of Japan
Since childhood, Thư had been interested in Japanese culture and people.
I wanted to meet and interact with Japanese people someday,
she told me.
She first came to Japan four years ago after graduating from high school.
She spent two years at a Japanese language school and then studied for another two years at a vocational school specializing in business.
Before coming to Japan, she had already studied Japanese in Vietnam for one year. By the time she entered vocational school, she had passed the JLPT N3 examination.
She later passed the N2 examination before starting her career in Japan. However, she smiled and admitted that it took her three attempts before she finally succeeded.
If possible, I want to challenge the N1 exam this year. But reading and writing are still very difficult,
she said.
With her determination and willingness to challenge herself, I believe she will reach N1 level in the near future.
Although she is busy with work, she continues to study independently little by little every day.
An Unexpected Encounter
During her job search, Thư received offers from several companies besides her current employer.
However, one day she visited Bánh Mì Bà Ba as a customer and happened to meet Mr. Tawa.
She was deeply impressed by both the restaurant and the people working there.
I strongly felt that I wanted to work here. So I gathered my courage and contacted them through Instagram to ask for an interview. And that’s how I got the job.
She spoke with a bright smile.
Opportunities like this may not happen every day, but they often appear when we least expect them.
Sometimes, having the courage to take the first step and reach out can change your future.
After joining the company, she has already begun expanding her role. As a future management candidate, she is involved in launching new stores and taking on greater responsibilities.
Comfortable at Work and in Daily Life
Thư says she has a good relationship with her Japanese colleagues and has not experienced any major problems or frustrations.
Even before joining the company, she worked part-time at convenience stores, conveyor-belt sushi restaurants, and fast-food chains. She says she rarely encountered difficulties at work.
Perhaps her warm personality naturally attracts people around her.
She also told me that she has adapted well to life in Japan and has not experienced many difficulties caused by cultural differences.
I do think Tokyo rent is expensive, so I need to work hard,
she laughed.
But I was lucky because a friend introduced me to my apartment, and I didn’t have to pay a security deposit.
She also shared her appreciation for Japanese society.
Japanese people have very good manners, so it’s a wonderful environment. But train stations can be complicated, and I still get lost sometimes.
She was particularly impressed by how people line up properly, follow public rules, and separate their garbage carefully.
A Bright Future Ahead
Thư’s career is steadily growing, and she continues to earn the trust of her company.
She recently participated in preparations for a new store opening in Fukuoka and even experienced a business trip there.
When talking about riding the Shinkansen, she gave a cheerful peace sign and said it was amazing.
She hopes to continue living and working in Japan for at least another five years if possible.
Recently, she has also become interested in fashion design.
Someday, I would like to try designing clothes as well,
she said with a smile.
She also shared something more personal.
In Vietnam, family circumstances often made me feel depressed and discouraged. But after coming to Japan, my future suddenly opened up before me, and I was able to become a much more positive person.
Listening to her speak with such energy and enthusiasm, it was easy to imagine her continuing to grow and shine through many new experiences in the years ahead.
Mr. Tawa, who opened his first bánh mì shop seven years ago and has continued expanding the business, spoke highly of her character.
Even during our short interview, her kindness, positivity, and determination were clear to see.
Just as she courageously chose to come to Japan after high school, perhaps you too can open a new door in your life.
Beyond that door may be wonderful encounters, new opportunities, and a world you have never imagined.
Meeting Thư gave me a great deal of courage and inspiration.
Thank you, Ms. Thư!
By Hajime Saito
X: @hajimesaitoYJC
