Son fulfills Japanese soldier's homecoming wishーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts:

• Intergenerational fulfillment of a dream
• Post-WWII Japanese soldier's life in Vietnam
• Impact of war on family reunification
• Cultural exchange and connection
• Legacy of peace

Fulfilling a Father's Dream: A Son's Journey to Japan

This narrative details the poignant journey of Tu Vanvu, a Vietnamese man who traveled to Kashiku, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, to fulfill his deceased father's lifelong wish of returning to his hometown. Tu's father, Furukawa Zenji, a Japanese soldier sent to Southeast Asia in 1943, found himself in Vietnam at the end of World War II. Unlike many, he remained in the country, married a Vietnamese woman, and built a family.

Zenji's Unfulfilled Wish and the Obstacles of War

Zenji harbored a strong desire to return to his native Japan, a wish that was repeatedly thwarted. The Vietnam War, in particular, severed his path back home. He passed away in 1975 at the age of 59, his dream of revisiting his childhood and youth unfulfilled.

Tu's Mission: A Journey of Remembrance and Connection

Decades later, Tu Vanvu embarked on this journey, driven by his father's enduring wish. He expressed his motivation: "I came to Japan to see where he spent his childhood and youth." A support group played a crucial role, providing financial assistance for Tu's trip and facilitating the reconnection with his father's Japanese relatives.

The Lost Landscape and the Enduring Memory

Upon arrival, Tu discovered that the village where his father was born and raised had been submerged due to a dam construction project. Despite this physical alteration, Tu conveyed his purpose to his father: "I want to tell him today I was able to come to your hometown. I'm returning home in your place." He also intended to place his father's belongings in the village's communal grave, a symbolic act of closure and remembrance.

Reconnecting with Family and Sharing a Legacy

Tu met his father's Japanese relatives for the first time, sharing memories and bridging the gap of time and separation. The emotional impact of this reunion was profound, as one relative stated, "It really moved me. I'm so glad that through him Zenji could come home."

Zenji's Core Desire: Peace

Central to Zenji's life, as conveyed by Tu, was a singular desire for peace. "My father went to the battlefield with only one desire, peace. His goal was to return to a peaceful daily life, nothing else. War is something no one wants." Tu carried not only his father's belongings but also this lifelong prayer for peace to his father's homeland.

Conclusion: A Testament to Love, Resilience, and the Universal Hope for Peace

Tu Vanvu's journey is a powerful testament to the enduring bonds of family, the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and the universal longing for peace. By fulfilling his father's dream, Tu not only honored Zenji's memory but also fostered a connection between two cultures and generations, carrying forward a legacy of peace.