When you start your life as an expat in Hanoi, you’ll find free lifestyle magazines at stores catering to Japanese residents and other venues.
In addition to information on restaurants and services, what’s surprising is the existence of such a diverse range of Japanese communities (clubs). From prefectural associations to sports, cultural, and hobby groups, they’re bustling with activity—much like “college club activities.”
It suddenly reminded me of that nostalgic spring of my freshman year in college, when my heart would race as I wondered, “Which club should I join?”
Joining the “Hanoi Running Club,” a gathering of serious runners
In April, right after I arrived for my new assignment, someone I met at a networking event introduced me to the “Hanoi Running Club.”
Back in Japan, I used to go to the gym to get some exercise, so this group was a perfect fit for my desire to “stay active in Hanoi, too!” I joined in May, and now every Sunday morning at 6:00 a.m., I go for a 10-kilometer jog along the shores of Hanoi’s large lake, “Ho Tay” (West Lake).
About 20 Japanese runners gather at the meeting spot every week… but they’re all “serious” runners with plenty of full-marathon experience! I don’t push myself too hard; instead, I work up a sweat with the goal of finishing every run at my own pace and maintaining my previous time.
Sunrise at 5:35 a.m. and Hanoi’s vibrant mornings
Sunrise in Hanoi is currently around 5:35 a.m. As the morning sun begins to rise in the sky, our 10-kilometer jog gets underway.
You might think the city would be quiet at this early hour, but the shores of West Lake are brimming with energy. Many Vietnamese people gather here early in the morning to enjoy physical activities like jogging, road biking, and dancing, and I can really feel firsthand the locals’ strong health-consciousness and vitality.
Our club members come from all walks of life—from long-time veterans who’ve lived in Hanoi for over 10 years to those working at local companies, and even other expatriates like myself. The conversations we have while running or after we finish have become incredibly valuable moments for me.
The Value of “Connection” in a Foreign Land
In Japan, online interactions via social media and connections through hobbies are on the rise. However, here in Hanoi—a relatively small area—Japanese residents actually gather in person, work up a sweat, and support one another. Although I initially joined simply to “get some exercise,” living in a foreign country has made me deeply reflect on the “importance of a local community”—something I can truly appreciate precisely because I’m here.
…Well, that was a somewhat objective reflection, but during the 10 km run itself, I’m completely absorbed in the battle against myself—I’m truly giving it my all (laughs). By the time I finish running, the blazing sun is beating down, signaling the start of another hot day in Hanoi. (We’d had nothing but cloudy skies and thunderstorms for the past few weeks, so this was the first sunny day in a while.)
Basking in the sunlight, I’ll continue to tackle my challenges here in Hanoi with energy and enthusiasm today!
