“I wanted to surprise my parents,” Dang said. “I was curious to see if they’d even recognize me after all this time.”

In the days leading up to his return, Dang told his parents that two of his friends from Japan would be visiting Bac Ninh to deliver some gifts on his behalf. Though disappointed he wouldn't be coming home, his parents looked forward to welcoming his friends.

On the planned date, Dang flew in from Japan and arranged for his older brother and brother-in-law to pick him up at the airport - both sworn to secrecy.

“I wore a wool hat and a face mask,” he recalled. “Even when I walked into the house and sat on the sofa, my mom still didn’t realize it was me. She just thought I was one of the friends.”

She politely poured him tea and asked about life in Japan, the weather, and how her son was doing over there. Dang said nothing - just smiled.

Finally, she said, “Why don’t you take off your mask and hat so I can see your face?” And the moment she saw him, she froze.

Then came the tears.

“My mom was shocked, then gave me a playful scolding, and immediately hugged me while crying. My dad was just as emotional,” Dang shared.

The reason his parents didn’t recognize him right away wasn’t just the disguise - it was how much he’d changed.

When Dang left Vietnam in 2023, he weighed 87kg, with a broad frame and round face. But after two years abroad, he had lost 24kg and now weighed just 63kg, his face more angular and his figure leaner.

“Even though we video-called regularly, my parents didn’t realize how much weight I’d lost. So when I showed up in person wearing a mask and hat, they didn’t recognize me at all.”

Currently studying economics at a university in Japan, Dang spends his mornings in class and the rest of his time working part-time jobs. The weight loss wasn’t intentional - it was a byproduct of his busy schedule and self-sufficient lifestyle.

“From the beginning, I planned to cover my own tuition and living costs. I also wanted to save up a little money to send home to my parents occasionally,” he said.

“The hardest part of living abroad is the cold, and the holidays. I've missed two Tet celebrations with my family. Every time I see them gathered on a video call, it makes me long to come home.”

He returned to Japan in early January 2026, unable to stay for the Lunar New Year.

“Still, that one week at home really recharged me. Eating my mom’s cooking, spending time with family, visiting relatives - it warmed my heart.”

A video capturing the emotional reunion went viral on TikTok, racking up over 200,000 views and thousands of likes.

Viewers left heartfelt comments:

“Just one moment, and the mother bursts into tears - so touching.”

“Surprising your family is sweet, but I think if you tell them four months in advance, they’ll have four months of happiness waiting for you. With a surprise, the joy only lasts a few days. It's a personal choice.”

Thanh Minh