Kagami Waka

I had visited Vietnam before, but this time I was much impressed by the programs supported by Japa Vietnam and the needs I could observe.

Our visit to Nghe Anh in the North and Soc Trang, South of the Mekong delta, left deep impression in me. Guidebooks do not tell you about these places. Nghe Anh is one of the three poorest provinces, but to tell the truth its beauty caught my heart. I walked endlessly a road surrounded by fresh green along new rice pads. From time to time, I stopped to look up at a high sky where I could sense the greatness of Nature and the high clouds, clearly hanging far in the sky. I never had such a wonderful experience. When I looked in front I faced children riding caravaos. I took my camera and they smiled joyfully.

The villages here needed fresh water and Japa Vietnam has helped them to build water reservoirs that keep them from having to use and drink the water from the fields that is contaminated with agricultural chemicals. Practically all the programs assisted by Japa Vietnam like water reservoirs and wells, roads, bridges and clinics are vital for a basic healthy human life. Still, a fundamental doubt arises. What is the local government doing? Or is it a Japanese way of looking at things?

This was my fourth visit to Vietnam. I had only visited Ho Chi Minh City, but this time I had the strong feeling that I found in the poverty of the rural areas the strong link to the difficult social and economic problems facing the cities.

In Soc Trang of the Mekong delta I had the opportunity of reflecting on all riches experiences of this journey. In a room of a Catholic Church they have exposed the photograph of Ishimoto Akimi, one of the founders of Japa Vietnam. Of course, I have heard of her before, but it was my first time to see her face. For a period of 3 years, before her death, Ms. Ishimoto looked earnestly for people in Japan to assist the poor in Vietnam. I continually asked myself: "What was the power leading her to go to Vietnam and live among the Vietnamese people?" I was moved by her motivation and wanted to tell her that I could understand her moves. I believe that she acted together with the group of Japa Vietnam and her spirit and motivation is still alive there with them.