Attending the memorial ceremony were representatives of the Fukushima-Vietnam Friendship Association, family and relatives, friends of Mr. Takano from Japan, representatives of the Department of Cooperation and Development, Politics and Student Affairs, the Dean and Faculty of Vietnamese Studies and Vietnamese Language; and experts and researchers from the Institute of Literature.
Journalist Takano Isao (1943 - 1979) and the book written about him.
Takano IsaoBorn in 1943 in Kobe City, Japan, Takano Isao moved to Vietnam in 1967 and enrolled in the Vietnamese Language Department of Hanoi University (now the Department of Vietnamese Studies and Vietnamese Language, University of Social Sciences and Humanities). He attended university during a time when the war in Vietnam was intensifying, but he overcame all difficulties to learn Vietnamese, understand Vietnamese culture, and immerse himself in the resistance life of the Vietnamese people.
After graduating, Takano returned to Japan for work. In February 1979, when the Chinese authorities launched a simultaneous offensive against the Vietnamese border provinces, Takano immediately returned to Vietnam to throw himself into the most intense fighting zones to report on the war.
On March 7, 1979, journalist Takano was killed while reporting in Lang Son town after Chinese troops attacked two vehicles carrying reporters. His funeral was solemnly held in Tokyo on March 20 by the Japanese Communist Party. His memorial plaque is now located at Hoang Dong Cemetery in Lang Son city, bearing the inscription: "Comrade Isao Takano - reporter for Akahata newspaper (Japan) - was killed in action in Lang Son town on March 7, 1979."
Takano left behind a rich journalistic career, including numerous reports, news articles, and images about the war to defend the northern border of Vietnam by the Vietnamese army and people. These images had a profound impact, truthfully depicting the courageous and heroic spirit of the Vietnamese people in their determination to protect every inch of their homeland. In addition, with his rich and profound Vietnamese language skills, he was also a translator of many literary works (from Vietnamese to Japanese), contributing to promoting and spreading Vietnamese cultural values to Japanese and international friends. After his death, Takano Isao was posthumously awarded the Friendship Order by the President of Vietnam, Ton Duc Thang. On March 5, 2019, to commemorate the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan (1978-2018), a seminar themed "Journalist Takano Isao - A Courageous Witness" was held, introducing his life and his personal belongings.
Instead of opening remarks, Dr. Le Thi Thanh Tam (Head of the Department of Vietnamese Studies and Vietnamese Language) recited a poem expressing her deep emotion about the courageous journalist and war correspondent, an outstanding former student of the Department and of the University.
On the occasion of the commemoration ceremony for former student and journalist Takano Isao, who sacrificed his life, representatives of the Fukushima-Vietnam Friendship Association, his family, and the group of authors respectfully presented the book "
Japanese journalist Takano Isao - A witness to the "psychic"For the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Faculty of Vietnamese Studies and Vietnamese Language, Institute of Literature.
Associate Professor Dr. Doan Le Giang, on behalf of the group of authors, introduced the book and the camera - a memento of journalist and reporter Takano Isao.
The book"Japanese journalist Takano Isao - A witness to the events"This collection presents invaluable materials about journalist Takano: his camera, the backpack he carried throughout his time fighting on the battlefield, the photographs he took, and excerpts from the memoirs of his comrades. Through these materials, readers can visualize journalist Takano Isao – a Japanese friend who lived and fought bravely alongside the Vietnamese army and people during the most intense days of the 1979 border defense war in the North.
Those attending the memorial service were deeply moved when they saw a precious documentary film about the life, fighting days, and moments of sacrifice of Mr. Takano Isao in Lang Son in February 1979, sent by his wife. The film captured the sorrow and pain of a widow, the tears of a young daughter, the grief of a husband and father who sacrificed himself, but above all, the pride that her loved one lived and fought alongside his Vietnamese friends, sacrificing himself for justice and peace.
In a warm and emotional atmosphere, attendees at the memorial service listened to the melodious flute music performed by artist Tachibana Ryomei, a friend of journalist Takano Isao from Japan.
Journalist Ngo Minh Dao, a witness present at the Lang Son battlefield in February 1979, shared many touching stories about the moment of sacrifice of journalist Takano Isao.
Takano Isao – a shining star in a foreign land, with a deep love for the Vietnamese language and the country of Vietnam, fought and sacrificed his youth for the Vietnamese people's border defense in 1979. His sacrifice has inspired many works of art, including musical compositions.: "Takano – A courageous witness" belong toComposer Pho Duc Phuongwith very touching lyrics:
"Let me sing about the son of the land of the majestic snow-capped Fuji."
He came to my hometown during those days of war and turmoil, his spirit as vibrant as a blossoming cherry tree.
Glory belongs to you, the soldier who sacrificed himself for the truth.
.....
Oh, Isao Takano! Sending you my deepest love from my heart!
Truth will ultimately prevail, my love for you remains ever strong, how beautiful is Takano's youth!
The Dean and faculty of the Department of Vietnamese Studies and Vietnamese Language presented flowers to express their gratitude to the Fukushima-Vietnam Friendship Association and artist Tachibana Ryomei.
