Integrating with a spirit of dedication

In Japan's rigorous disaster prevention system, Shobodan play a crucial role in the community. They are a non-professional firefighting force. With a spirit of volunteerism, they readily participate in professional training and directly assist the community in emergencies such as fires or natural disasters.

The journey of Tran Thi Truc Van, 27, from Ben Tre ward, Vinh Long province, from a foreign worker to a member of the Shobodan volunteer fire brigade in Japan, is an inspiring story of integration and responsibility. In Amagasaki city, Hyogo prefecture, this Vietnamese female worker has proven that kindness and a desire to contribute know no borders or language barriers.

Ms. Tran Thi Truc Van (center) is a member of the planning and propaganda team of the Shobodan force. Photo: NHK WORLD

The path to wearing the Shobodan fire brigade uniform was incredibly arduous. For skilled workers like Ms. Truc Van, fulfilling legal requirements was crucial. Initially, the Immigration Department considered participation in the fire brigade as an activity outside of residency status. This was a procedural hurdle, as regulations focused primarily on the economic employment of foreigners. Overcoming this required perseverance and understanding from relevant authorities, who recognized that contributing to community safety was a humane act that should be encouraged.

According to NHK, from a hesitant intern to a skilled worker, after more than 5 years of hard work in Japan, Ms. Truc Van chose a different path to integration. Instead of resting in her rented room after work, she joined Shobodan in April 2024. Sharing her reasons for this decision, Ms. Truc Van said she wanted to expand her interaction with the local community and also acquire additional fire safety skills to protect herself and assist in local rescue efforts.

Truc Van's main job is inspecting the production of automotive components at Amagasaki – a job that demands meticulousness and endurance. However, after exhausting shifts, she is still seen enthusiastically practicing firefighting skills.

Ms. Truc Van affirmed her value in a foreign land, not only through her diligent work in the factory but also through her courageous volunteer spirit. Ms. Truc Van's story contributes to spreading a very meaningful message: The deepest form of integration is through contribution.

As a member of the Planning and Propaganda team, Truc Van's presence at local disaster relief events has brought a breath of fresh air. The image of this confident Vietnamese woman guiding locals in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and operating pumps in Japanese has bridged the gap between locals and migrant workers. The affectionate nickname "Van-chan" given to her by her Japanese colleagues is the clearest evidence of this connection. She is no longer a stranger but has truly become part of the Amagasaki family. At this "second home," she has been diligently taught rescue skills and the distinctive Kansai dialect by her Japanese friends. In return for her colleagues' seriousness, the dynamism and warmheartedness of this woman from the Mekong Delta have become a cultural bridge, dispelling initial reservations and creating great goodwill in the hearts of the local people.

Truc Van's journey to joining Shobodan became even more special thanks to the support of Mr. Tamino Shinji, the director of the company where she works. As a member of the volunteer fire brigade, Mr. Tamino highly valued Truc Van's professional competence and appreciated her sense of responsibility. To him, she was not simply a skilled employee but also a foreign citizen willing to sacrifice herself for the safety of the community.

THANH HANG (compiled)

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/hoa-nhap-with-tinh-than-cong-hien-post847601.html