Memorial stele of Dr. Abasa Sakitaro - new symbol of Vietnam - Japan friendship

Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh - Principal of the School gave a welcoming speech to the speaker

The presentation revolves around the relationship between Dr. Asaba Sakitaro (1867-1910) and Vietnamese revolutionary Phan Boi Chau and the birth of the Dr. Asaba memorial stele.

Mr. Amma Yukiho (President of Asaba Vietnam Association) thanked the School for the welcome.

In 1884, France invaded Vietnam and forced the Nguyen Dynasty to accept French protection. Vietnam became a French colony. A series of patriotic movements and struggles for independence by all classes of Vietnamese people broke out against French colonial rule.

In the early 20th century, among the groups of patriotic Confucian scholars and intellectuals in the provinces and cities to fight against French colonialism, there was the Duy Tan Association founded by the patriot Phan Boi Chau. The Association set out the task of raising people's knowledge through education and publishing new books and newspapers, and at the same time organized activities to seek foreign aid.

After hearing the news of Japan's victory over Tsarist Russia in the Russo-Japanese War, the Association had great expectations of Japan as a modern Asian country, and sent patriotic young people to study in Japan to serve Vietnam's future independence activities.

In January 1905, a number of Vietnamese scholars led by Phan Boi Chau went to Japan for the first time. Through the introduction of Liang Qichao, the Vietnamese scholars met a number of patriots and supporters of Vietnam such as Okumura, Kashiwabara Buntaro, and doctor Asaba Sakitaro. The Dong Du movement developed strongly with more than 200 Vietnamese students studying in Japan during its golden period.

By 1908, France had asked the Japanese government to expel Vietnamese students and Phan Boi Chau was also ordered to be expelled. The Dong Du movement collapsed. Vietnamese students faced difficulties when the support funds from patriotic organizations ran out and they could not even return home. At that time, Phan Boi Chau decided to ask for help from Asaba Sakitaro.

Mr. Asaba Sakitaro was born in Umeyama, Asaba village, Fukuroi city, Japan. He studied medicine at Tokyo University and then opened a large hospital in Odawara. He wholeheartedly helped Vietnamese students studying in Japan, so he was praised as a kind and chivalrous person. Upon receiving Phan Boi Chau's request, although they had never met, Asaba Sakitaro immediately donated a large sum of 1,700 yen (at that time, the monthly salary of the principal of Higashi Asaba Elementary School was 18 yen). In 1909, to thank him for his help, Phan Boi Chau visited him at his home before returning to Vietnam.

In 1918, when Phan Boi Chau returned to Japan, Asaba Sakitaro had passed away. To express his gratitude, Phan Boi Chau organized the erection of a memorial stele at Jourin Temple, Umeyama, Higasshiasaba Village. The 2.7m high stele was completed with material contributions from the villagers.

In 2003, the 85th anniversary of the construction of the memorial stele and the 85th anniversary of the Asaba-Vietnam friendship took place in Asaba. Up to now, the Dr. Abasa memorial stele is not only a testament to the relationship between revolutionary leader Phan Boi Chau and the supporter of the Vietnamese independence movement, Asaba, but also a testament to the rare historical connection between the Vietnamese independence movement and the Japanese people in modern times. In the present period, this event is remembered by the people of both countries as a new symbol of the Vietnam-Japan friendship.

The Asaba Vietnam Association is a Vietnam-Japan cultural exchange association named after the Japanese doctor who is considered a friend of the Vietnamese people. The association has continuously carried out friendly activities between the two countries. In 2005, the association opened an exhibition “History of the Asab Sakitaro Memorial Stele” in Hue city.