Sayaka Nakata left Osaka for HCMC last year, trading familiarity for uncertainty and speed. Six months into her life in Vietnam, the Japanese beauty professional finds herself shaped by the city’s relentless energy—from its sparkling nights and motorbike symphony to the warmth of its people and the deep pull of Tet family values. In this interview with The Saigon Times, she reflects on how Vietnam has become not just a destination, but a training ground for the next chapter of her life.
The Saigon Times: To begin, could you introduce yourself and tell us what brought you from Osaka to HCMC?
Sayaka Nakata: I am 27 years old and originally from Osaka, Japan. Before moving here six months ago, I had never lived outside of my hometown. My primary motivation was a desire to challenge myself abroad while I am still young. I first visited Vietnam two years ago, and it completely shattered my expectations. Instead of the image I had in my mind, I found a city of skyscrapers and incredible growth. I knew then that I wanted to dive into this fast-paced environment.
How has your perspective on the city changed since you began living here?
At first, every day was a mix of stimulation and anxiety. But now, that same stimulation has become the engine that pushes me forward. HCMC is a place that expands your possibilities. The most striking difference is the sense of speed—the city and its people are young, energetic, and quick to make decisions. Being in that tempo makes me feel like I am constantly moving and evolving. Even the constant flow of motorbikes, which was initially unsettling, has become a “comfortable noise” to me. It’s a small change, but it makes me feel like I truly belong here.
You’ve mentioned that you find life here “easy” in some ways. How do you compare the lifestyle in Vietnam to that in Japan?
I feel significantly less stress here. In Japan, by 8:00 p.m., even the big roads can feel empty and quiet. In
Vietnam, the streets are “sparkling”—there are lights, people, and traffic everywhere. It makes you want to go out and be part of it. I’ve also noticed a sense of peace here; you don’t see many people losing their tempers, and people are always smiling. Even seeing children out with their families late at night is a sign of how vibrant and safe the community feels.
Communication can be a barrier when moving to a new country. How have you navigated the language barrier?
I attend English classes once a week to better communicate with the international community, and I’m finding the learning process very enjoyable now. Regarding the local language, what I love about Vietnamese people is that even if they know you don’t understand, they keep talking to you in Vietnamese with a smile. Somehow, we manage to communicate our intentions. Their kindness and their ability to pick up on what you want to say—despite the language barrier—is truly special.
As a professional in the beauty industry, what observations have you made about your work here?
I’ve noticed differences in hair quality and preferences. One thing that stands out is the “shampoo culture” here; the hair washing and head massages in Vietnam are very strong and thorough, which is a unique point of local hospitality. I am also learning a lot from the work ethic of my Vietnamese colleagues. They are very studious and dedicated to service, which inspires me to work harder. In fact, I can say I am working harder now than I ever have in my life.
Let’s talk about your personal tastes. What have been your favorite—and perhaps most surprising—discoveries in Vietnam?
The food is wonderful. I actually prefer Vietnamese seafood, especially shrimp, over meat. I’m a big fan of rau muong (morning glory) as well. I’ve grown to love the weather here, even the heat.
As the Lunar New Year (Tet) approached, what are your impressions of this cultural season?
It is impressive to see the city dyed in red, with national flags everywhere and people wearing ao dai to take photos. I am actually having an ao dai made so I can fully enjoy my first Tet here. What strikes me most is the sudden shift toward family time. Tet made me realize how deeply
Vietnamese people value their families. Even if I do not see those family moments directly, I can feel the love in the way people talk about their homes.
Being here has also made me reflect on my own family. Before, we lived close enough to meet anytime, but now that we are far apart, I feel a much stronger sense of gratitude. In Japanese culture, saying “I love you” does not come easily, but Tet has reminded me to say “thank you” more often.
Interestingly, my mother is very relaxed about the distance. Once, I called her simply because I was bored and wanted to chat, and after five minutes she said, “I want to sleep now—can we hang up?”
Looking ahead, how do you view this chapter of your life in Vietnam?
Vietnam has transformed from “a place I jumped into because I was young” to “a stage that is training me.” This experience is the foundation for the rest of my life; it feels like a major turning point. While I might eventually want to see other countries, like the U.S., I have no desire to return to Japan right now. I feel most at home in the middle of HCMC’s liveliness. In this heat and noise, I feel like I can keep challenging myself.
Finally, do you have any specific plans for the upcoming holidays?
I’m still deciding! I am thinking about traveling to Phan Thiet or Mui Ne by bus to see the ocean. I’ve heard it’s beautiful and only about four hours away. Whether I go with friends or solo, I want to experience more of what this country has to offer.
Reported by Kelvin Vo
