Hoang Khanh Duong, born in 1994 in Thai Binh, found his “other half” in a hospital hallway in Japan. Obama Saika, born in 1993 in Japan, captured the ThaiBinh man’s heart with just one glance.

Duong was a nursing intern in Japan. That day, he went to the hospital to submit job application documents. Passing by, he clumsily dropped his papers, and Saika helped pick them up, saying, “Be more careful.”

A month later, Duong was accepted to work at the hospital. Saika was his supervisor, giving him a chance to work with the woman he’d been longing for.

“In reality, we rarely met. Once, Saika was assigned to give flu shots to staff. I mustered all my courage, wrote my phone number on a piece of paper, and gave it to her. I thought of two endings: either she’d report me to the hospital and I’d get punished, or she’d contact me,” Duong said.

When Saika texted “Why did you give me your number”, Duong was overjoyed, knowing he’d been given a chance.

Starting with work-related messages and professional exchanges, Duong gradually asked her out, showing care through his words and actions. After three months, Duong confessed his feelings and received Saika’s nod of agreement.

In November 2024, Duong followed Saika to meet her family. Her parents were initially concerned about their daughter dating a foreigner younger than her, with cultural and lifestyle differences.

But Duong didn’t give up. He learned to cook Japanese dishes and studied Japanese culture to connect with his future in-laws.

In late March 2025, Duong brought Saika to Vietnam to meet his family. Duong’s parents greeted her at the airport. His mother wore an ao dai and prepared a beautiful bouquet to express her affection.

“She was shocked, not expecting Vietnamese people to be so warm. My parents were thrilled I’d found such a sweet, polite girl,” Duong said.

During nearly 20 days in Vietnam, Saika had many memorable experiences. The couple registered their marriage and took wedding photos, planning a 2025 wedding.

On the day Saika left Vietnam for Japan, she left a handwritten letter that deeply moved Duong’s parents.

“Dear Mom and Dad, when I came to Vietnam, I didn’t know much Vietnamese and couldn’t talk much with you. But from your eyes and faces, I knew how much you cared for me. Eating the meals you cooked, so different from Japanese food, was hard at first, but now I’m used to it and find it delicious. For our love, Duong and I will keep working for our future. See you again in November! I love you.”

Thanh Minh