Japanese researcher Imai Akio, who teaches at the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, has just returned to Viet Nam to resume work on the American war. He first came to Viet Nam in 1979 and has since returned many times.
He spoke with the Culture Vulture about his research.
Could you tell us about your war research in Viet Nam?
The major subject of my studies and teaching at university is the modern history of Viet Nam since the beginning of the 20th century until now. For the last few years, I have focused on recording the experiences of those who took part in the anti-American war, which is one of three main topics I have been working on. The other two are the history of Vietnamese nationalist ideology and religious movements in Viet Nam.
During this visit to Viet Nam, I hope to complete research for a book entitled War Memories in Viet Nam, which includes references to Gio Dai (Wild Wind) by writer Bao Ninh that was translated by Professor Kawaguchi Kenichi.
Where have you been to in Viet Nam?
I have been to various parts of Viet Nam, including Nam Dinh, Thai Binh, Dien Bien Phu, Hoa Binh, Quang Binh, Vinh Long and Tra Vinh. I have met and talked to about 100 war veterans that have included ethnic minorities such as Thai and Muong.
I have listened to their life stories during and after the war.
How has your view of the American War changed after hearing these accounts?
It's hard to say. I want to record the personal accounts of war veterans, those that were involved in the fighting. I don't want to look at the war through the eyes of war leaders.
Their memories are important and valuable to history and social researchers. If we don't record them, they will be lost for ever. That would be a great loss to history. I suppose your own historians should do the same thing before it is too late.
Did you encounter any difficulties meeting and talking to these war veterans? How long did you spend with each of them?
I spoke to each of them for about an hour. They were quite willing to talk to me.
Who impressed you the most?
I met many interesting people, who had very moving stories to relate. For example, there was a female volunteer in Thanh Hoa who spent the whole of her youth in the military. She now lives alone and farms a small plot of land, which she owns.
There isn't time in the day to recount all my meetings. But there were many very interesting experiences.
Why did you choose to conduct your research in Viet Nam, not Japan or another country?
The war in Viet Nam was a major event in the 20th century, not only for Asians but also Westerners. However, there has been little research conducted on the experiences of ordinary people. There have however been lots written about the war in Viet Nam from the point of international history and social history.
Why did you choose Kon Tum for your last destination in Viet Nam before returning home?
I wanted to interview ethnic minority war veterans there. Kon Tum is not my last destination for this topic. I will return to Viet Nam and meet more veterans from other places.
How do you cover the cost of your visits?
My expenses are being subsidised by the Japanese government.
Aside from the war, what other interests do you have in Viet Nam?
I have seen many films and read lots of books on Viet Nam such as films by director Dang Nhat Minh, Viet Linh and written work by Bao Ninh, Le Luu and Duong Huong. On this visit, I met a Vietnamese writer who is helping me translate a book from Vietnamese into Japanese. — VNS