A Japanese tourist, Naoki Okamura, recently shared his heartwarming experience in Ho Chi Minh City, where a local optician repaired his broken eyeglasses free of charge.

The surprising act of kindness left Okamura, who was visiting Vietnam, both confused and grateful.

The encounter, captured in a video posted by Okamura, shows him repeatedly offering to pay for the repair, only to have the optician firmly refuse.

The video, which quickly went viral on social media, has resonated with many, highlighting the generosity and hospitality often encountered in Vietnam.

Okamura, whose glasses were missing a screw, had stopped by a small optical shop on Hoang Dieu Street in District 4. Speaking in English, he explained his situation to the shop owner and asked for help. Without saying much, the optician took the glasses and fixed them within five minutes. When Okamura asked how much he owed, he was taken aback by the response: "Nothing."

"I was very confused," Okamura recalled. "In Japan, it's standard practice to pay for services like this. I kept asking if I should pay, or at least offer something in return, but the optician refused every time."

After leaving the shop, Okamura remained perplexed by the experience. Wanting to understand why the optician had refused payment, he shared the video online, asking for an explanation. The response he received from the Vietnamese community was overwhelming.

A cultural difference

Many Vietnamese users explained that such gestures are not uncommon in Vietnam. Small repairs, especially those that require minimal effort, are often done free of charge, as part of the culture’s emphasis on hospitality and kindness.

"I was even more surprised after reading the comments," said Okamura. "In Japan, you wouldn't get anything fixed for free, especially if it was your own fault. I've never had an experience like this in my home country."

The explanations helped Okamura better understand Vietnamese culture. Many viewers suggested that he could express his gratitude by buying the optician a coffee or a small gift, a gesture that would likely be appreciated in return.

An unforgettable experience

The experience left a lasting impression on Okamura, who expressed his admiration for the warmth and hospitality he encountered in Vietnam.

He also revealed that the incident has inspired him to start learning Vietnamese so that he can better express his gratitude in the future.

"I fell in love with the kindness shown to me here," he shared. "After this experience, I’m going to start learning Vietnamese. I want to be able to say thank you properly in their language."

The story of Okamura’s encounter has touched the hearts of many online, serving as a reminder of the small acts of kindness that can make a lasting impact.

Ha Nguyen