When Nhan was 11 years old, his parents suddenly passed away in a traffic accident. The boy Duc Nhan knew he had just lost the two most important people in his life, but he did not clearly feel the pain at that time. Only when he grew up, the pain also grew bigger.
Nhan lived with his aunt and uncle until he finished 12th grade, then he was adopted at Huong Duong orphanage and disabled children center in Binh Duong province. His life marked a new turning point when he decided to postpone his studies at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education, started learning Japanese and won a full scholarship to study in Japan, majoring in Tourism and Hospitality. He is currently living and working here.
The family photo accompanies Mr. Nhan on every journey. Photo: Le Duc Nhan
Due to the nature of his work, Nhan has the opportunity to travel to many places in Japan. He realizes that his success would not be complete without his parents by his side. That is why he always carries their portraits with him on every journey. He believes that his parents are always watching over him.
At the age of 22, Nhan started saving photos taken with his parents' class portraits during his trips and created the album "Mom and Dad, Where Are We Going Next?". Up to now, the photo album has nearly 70 photos taken at different locations across the land of cherry blossoms.
The album "Mom and Dad, Where Are We Going Next?" currently has more than 70 photos taken at different locations in Japan. Photo: Le Duc Nhan
The journey of carrying Mom and Dad to heaven
He shared that his most memorable trip was when he conquered Mount Fuji, he called it the journey of "carrying his parents to heaven". It was his most daring journey, lasting 15 hours. When he was near the top of the mountain, it was very cold and rainy. Instead of stopping at a motel to recover, he continued climbing to the top because the price of the motel was quite "expensive" and Nhan did not bring enough money.
He spent that night alone. But no, he encouraged himself that his parents were always by his side so everything would be fine. He looked for rocks to rest to avoid the cold but it seemed unlikely. After a while, he found an abandoned house, went in and took a nap until 2am, then he continued his journey.
He called the trip to conquer Mount Fuji a journey of carrying his parents to heaven. Photo: Le Duc Nhan
"After many hardships, I successfully brought my parents' portraits to the highest place in Japan. I will never forget this journey," Nhan said emotionally.
Nhan hopes that his story will inspire many people, so that they and their families can create many meaningful and loving trips. "The more we grow up, the older our parents become, and at some point their image will only be in our memories, so let's take them on as many trips as possible while we still can," he shared.
Nhan hopes his story will inspire many people and families to travel together. Photo: Le Duc Nhan
"Slow down and feel things in your own way"
Nhan is currently the Deputy Manager of the Restaurant Department at a hotel in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. He recently became famous on social media after sharing posts about room decoration and dishes that look like "5-star" menus.
He said that the things he shared were all things he researched and did based on his passion and interests. Because he lives alone, cooking and decorating his house are some of the things that help him create joy for himself.
He often redecorates his house every few months to create a new space and avoid boredom. Photo: Le Duc Nhan
During the Covid-19 outbreak in Japan, he came up with ideas and redecorated his rented room in about a week. Almost everything changed by 80%, costing about 15 million VND. He did everything himself from assembling to painting and decorating. Every day, he took care of a space like the kitchen, bedroom... Nhan shared that he usually redecorated his house every few months to create a new space and avoid boredom.
He dedicated a corner of his house to display pictures of his travels with his parents and his academic achievements. Everything was neat and tidy, so that each passing day, he was happy and content with it.
Corner displaying photos of his travels with his parents and his academic achievements. Photo: Le Duc Nhan
TAKING SIMPLE FOOD TO 5 STARS
In addition to home decor, Nhan also has a hobby of cooking. He is also an active member of culinary groups on social networks, often writing and sharing posts that attract many viewers.
Nhan taught himself how to plate food in the style of 5-star restaurants. When he first started, he learned from professional chefs and then made it his own.
Nhan describes the process of cooking a dish in Plating style, starting with defining the layout, then he will go to the market to choose the right ingredients. He prepares the dish simply and quickly. The presentation stage takes the most time, requiring meticulousness and creativity, so that the layout of the dish and the colors are harmonious.
Simple dishes are elevated to "5-star level" through Nhan's skillful decoration. Photo: Le Duc Nhan
For nearly 7 years in Japan, life has been very difficult because there is no family around, not only for him but for any child living far away from home. But Nhan always tells himself to try hard, not to give up and always believes that his success in the future will help many other unfortunate people, just like the way people helped him in difficult times.
In the future, Nhan plans to return to Vietnam to start a business, specifically starting a restaurant, hotel, homestay business as well as bringing his culinary style closer to everyone. He hopes that the knowledge and skills he learned in Japan will help him apply and develop in Vietnam.
