The Decision Began With Choosing… Images
I graduated in Fine Art Photography from the University of Theater and Performing Arts of Hanoi. Yet in my first steps into “art,” I chose journalism instead, starting out as a photojournalist.
Life is sometimes like an undeveloped roll of film. When you first press the shutter, you can’t predict the result. Only in the darkroom do the contrasts and unexpected details emerge. Photography and journalism, too, seemed like different paths. But looking back, they intersected and complemented each other, guiding me to my true calling: image-making.
I spent four years as a communications officer at Vietnam National University, Ha Noi. then moved south to work nearly three years at Vietcetera as Photography Lead. Every step left its own mark, leading me to today’s decision. And at the right moment, I set off… for Japan.
A Necessary “Push”
I chose a Master’s in Photography & Media Art in Japan. At this stage, many people look for stability. For me, it felt like the right time for a push forward.
While friends went to Europe to study visual arts, I chose Japan - the place where I grew up with manga and anime. It felt familiar, yet full of challenges.
Japan is the cradle of visual culture in Asia. Their approach is so detailed that even the smallest element can be elevated into an art form. I wanted to learn from that mindset, and from there, build my own identity in a way that fits today’s world.
Leaving wasn’t easy. I had to let go of my studio, a project I had poured my heart into. It was bittersweet, but necessary. I believe from that cut, a new seed will grow, in new soil, with new light.
Not A Typical International Student
My first year in Japan was dedicated to learning the language. I wanted to be able to present my research in front of professors - my first real challenge.
I enjoy challenges. Stepping out of my comfort zone is like switching to a new lens: blurry at first, but then things come into focus, sometimes even more beautifully.
Most importantly, I’m not alone. My little family is here with me. In a new country, having even one companion makes the picture of life feel brighter.
And I’ve learned not to judge a place by numbers or rumors. A city might have its dark sides, but in the right light, you’ll see brightness. To me, every city is like a backlit photo: adjust the angle, and you’ll find the light.
The “Curse” Of A Photographer
“I can get obsessed by anything if I look at it long enough. That’s the curse of being a photographer.”
— Irving Penn
That quote has stayed with me since my first day with a camera. It’s a “beautiful curse.” I’ve always wanted to dig deeper: why does a Japanese viewer like a certain photo, and how does their culture shape such a unique visual language?
Vietnamese Identity Through My Lens
“How much of your lens is Vietnamese identity?”
The editor writing this piece once asked me.
The truth: my Vietnamese identity is both 100% and 0%.
I love Vietnam—I photograph folk games, village festivals, culture. But I also love to experiment.
In every experiment, there’s always a thread pulling me back to my roots. Like the photo series HỘI—where I blended folk games with contemporary fashion, photography with illustration art. Both new and old, its essence is to bring the beauty of Vietnamese culture closer to people today.
I Will Return
I never thought I’d go to stay. “Say it too soon and you might stumble,” but I will return. Because I love Vietnam too much.
I want to return to serve the dreams and ambitions I hold for my homeland. Perhaps by opening a production house, or curating a solo exhibition called “Homecoming” smiles. I want to leave behind one—or many—works: deep, Vietnamese enough to say on my behalf: I went far, I learned, but in the end, I came back to contribute in my own way.
… My Vietnam, My Way
For young people standing at a crossroads, I have one piece of advice: step out of your comfort zone. There will be uncertainty, there will be fatigue, but what you gain is experience. And experience is always worth it.
I quit a government job, dropped out of a journalism master’s, gave up my studio. Those “abandonments” weren’t failures. They were ways to discover more of myself.
For me, studying abroad isn’t about escape. It’s about returning.
Thank you, Bobby, for sharing your journey in Japan - a story that adds one more piece to the mosaic of Vietnam’s national brand in the eyes of the world.
If you are also studying and working in Japan, Vietcetera invites you to join #MyVietnamMyWay - a platform where Vietnamese stories are told through your own journey.
The top 5 most inspiring stories will be featured on Vietcetera and receive tickets to Vietcetera Open – Tokyo 2025. The most outstanding author will even have the chance to become a Keynote speaker at the event.
Share your journey, so together we can spread the spirit of Vietnam in the land of the rising sun.