In 2012, a Japanese-Korean man arrived in Vietnam, not only carrying the ambition of Tokyu Corporation (Japan), but also the steady conviction of someone who had spent decades in urban planning. After 13 years living and working in Vietnam, Mr. Oh Dongkun, General Director of Becamex Tokyu Co., Ltd., is officially returning to Japan. But the mark he leaves behind, especially in Binh Duong New City, continues to grow stronger each day.
From Japan To Vietnam
Mr. Oh began working at Tokyu in 1991. The nearly century-old corporation is renowned in Japan for its integrated urban development model. When Tokyu expanded its strategy into Southeast Asia in the early 2010s, Mr. Oh was assigned to Vietnam to lead a new urban development project in Binh Duong Province. At the time, Vietnam was one of the fastest-growing markets in the region, and Binh Duong, a rapidly industrializing area, was seen as an ideal location for a “model city.”
Since then, Mr. Oh has been fully committed to the project, moving from a senior management role to General Director. For him, this wasn’t just a professional assignment but a proud part of his life and career.
Binh Duong New City: A Groundbreaking Urban Living Model
Spanning roughly 1,000 hectares, Binh Duong New City was designed with inspiration from Japan’s modern satellite cities, while also adapting to Vietnam’s local needs and conditions. Unlike many urban projects that are fragmented or narrowly focused, Binh Duong New City was built with an integrated approach, combining residential areas, office spaces, shopping centers, parks, and modern transportation infrastructure.
Mr. Oh often emphasizes the importance of harmonious coexistence: “Store A, Store B, Store C can exist anywhere. But having them complement one another in a unified, convenient living environment is something not every place can achieve.” That synergy is key to improving quality of life – something Tokyu has always pursued.
After more than a decade of development, the area now features high-rise buildings, townhouses, expansive parks, and lifestyle destinations like SORA gardens and Hikari. These aren’t just pieces of real estate, but become true destinations, bringing to life what was once just a blank master plan. Today, the project offers residents a modern, convenient lifestyle that’s visible and tangible.
Understanding The Vietnamese Mindset: A Long-Term Lesson
Although Mr. Oh brought with him the discipline and structure of Japanese culture, he admits he experienced culture shock when he first started working in Vietnam.
“In Japan, everything is meticulously planned, with little room for improvisation. In Vietnam, things are more flexible. And sometimes, commitments aren’t followed exactly as planned,” he reflects.
But those differences became valuable lessons. He learned to adapt his management style, balancing Japan’s long-term, detail-oriented thinking with Vietnam’s fast-paced and flexible approach. Over time, he became a true bridge between cultures, helping Japanese teams understand local expectations. And vice versa, he ensured that the project maintained its standards without being constrained by rigid processes.
Through this journey, Mr. Oh came to admire many traits of the Vietnamese workforce: their proactiveness, eagerness to learn, and strong sense of self-improvement. Many employees at Becamex Tokyu, he notes, pursued additional training outside of work and built internal relationships based on shared values and personal growth.
As for local consumers, he observed: “Vietnamese buyers are becoming more discerning. They’re willing to pay more if they know the product is better. That motivates us to stay committed to do things properly, with care.”
Despite ongoing administrative challenges, lack of transparency, and differing investment mindsets, Mr. Oh believes that with enough perseverance, success will follow.
“Doing A, B, C doesn’t guarantee success. But doing A, B, C properly with integrity, you will make it sooner or later.”
From “Hardship” To “Pride”
In the podcast episode, Mr. Oh candidly admitted there were times when he wanted to give up due to difficulties. But looking back now, he sees the progress in Binh Duong New City as something he can truly be proud of, even if he’s only halfway through the journey.
Though the project is expected to take another 20 years to fully realize its original vision, the transformation from an empty plot to a growing community of residents, customers, and investors is already a significant achievement.
As he returns to Japan after 13 years, Mr. Oh carries with him not only valuable experience, but also a story worth sharing with younger generations. He hopes more young Japanese professionals will choose to work, live, and explore life in Vietnam even if only for 3–5 years.
As for Vietnam, he believes the new generation of business leaders is more than capable of becoming cultural bridges. He hopes that Vietnam–Japan relations will continue to strengthen not just at the government level, but also among businesses and individuals—because that lies the true and long-term impact.