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Hotel Nikko Saigon has officially launched its anniversary celebration with a heartwarming project called "OH Bear." Here, the hotel's mascot has become part of a project where young artists tell a story of cultural fusion through the language of painting.
For over a decade in Ho Chi Minh City, the image of the pristine white Polar bear has gradually become an integral part of Hotel Nikko Saigon's identity. More than just a decorative detail, the Polar bear represents warmth, intimacy, and the spirit of Omotenashi hospitality – the Japanese philosophy of dedicated service.
The OH Bear mascots, displayed in the lobby of Hotel Nikko Saigon, mark the beginning of a 15th-anniversary celebration and symbolize the fusion of culture and art.
Entering 2026, the 15th anniversary is being realized with the “OH Bear” project, themed “The Fusion of Culture & Art.” Instead of remaining an internal celebratory activity, the project expands into a creative dialogue between an international hotel brand and a generation of young Vietnamese artists.
The highlight of the project lies in the collaboration between Hotel Nikko Saigon and the Faculty of Design & Art, Hoa Sen University. Launched in December 2025, the competition attracted more than 20 sketches from students and hotel staff. From the initial ideas on paper, 15 selected sketches were brought to life as 80cm tall composite bear sculptures.
This event marks the beginning of a series of activities celebrating the hotel's 15th anniversary, symbolizing the fusion of the Omotenashi spirit and the creative thinking of the younger generation of artists.
Each bear embodies a unique perspective on hospitality, the vibrant life of Saigon, or the subtle nuances of Japanese culture. Empowering young artists with full creative freedom demonstrates a deep appreciation for local voices and artistic sensibilities.
Dawson Tan, General Manager of Hotel Nikko Saigon, shared: “Ho Chi Minh City is where tradition intersects with modern imagination. The OH Bear project provides students with a practical platform to showcase their ideas to the public, while reflecting our belief in the connection between people, culture, and art.”
The event officially kicked off a series of activities celebrating the hotel's 15th anniversary, marking a pioneering step in combining high-end hotel services with practical arts education.
Currently, 15 OH Bear artworks are on display in the hotel lobby, creating an open contemporary art space where viewers can pause to observe and discover the story behind each piece through QR codes. More than just the opening act for the 15th anniversary celebration, OH Bear is also a subtle tribute to the community and its partners.
In a context where the high-end service industry increasingly emphasizes cultural depth, this project demonstrates a different approach: where hospitality is expressed not only through service, but also through nurturing and celebrating young creativity.
