Hanoi / Vietnam

Summer comes in May in Hanoi, Vietnam. It is so hot that the air in front of you seems blurry, and red flaming tree flowers bloom toward the sun. You can see many tourists wearing Non La or bamboo hats, strolling along the streets of Hanoi with guidebooks in their hands.

The former Marubeni Hanoi Branch Office is located in central Hanoi, in an area filled with tourist attractions. The space was returned to its landlord at the end of March and we have moved to a modern building in the city. In 1887, Vietnam came under the control of French Indochina and was divided into Tonkin (North), Annam (Central) and Cochin China (South). Hanoi, called Tonkin in those days, was the capital of Indochina. It was a dignified and glamorous city in its own right, but the local culture, climate and customs were gradually mixed with the French, which has created an even more sophisticated cultural pattern. One example was the official residence of the Vice Governor of Tonkin, which we used as the former Marubeni Hanoi Branch Office. The building had an arch-shaped entrance with art deco-style lamps, and the first floor was decorated with the pattern of lateral strips which was the feature of the initial colonial architecture. Everyone who worked there loved the building. Viewing the streets that are lined with boulevard trees from the balcony elegantly decorated with steel, were the busy vice governor of Tonkin, and more recently, the employees of Marubeni Hanoi Branch.

During Vietnamese New Year, which is called "Tet," pots of fine kumquats and peach branches are placed in front of the entrance like Kadomatsu-decorative pine branches-in Japan. Their yellow and red colors are so gorgeous it is as if they were blessing the dawn of the New Year. During this period, people carry kumquats and peach trees that they have purchased on the backs of their bicycles and go home. Some people carry such large trees that they make you think of the word: "challenge." We only hope that they arrive home safely. The custom of decorating one's house with kumquats and peach trees to wish for a happy year is similar to decorating with hina dolls in Japan. And we can not help but feel deep ties from ancient times. I definitely recommend that you come to Vietnam, a country that is always attractive from any perspective throughout the year.

Kumquats and peach trees Hanoi locals carrying kumquat pots Hoan Kiem Lake, a place of relaxation for the people of Hanoi

Marubeni Group magazine "M-SPIRIT" VOL.28 (July, 2005)