Sunny Pham Sensei was interviewed on VOICE OF ASEAN SEMPAI. A well-known interview magazine for outstanding foreigners in Japan.
Her story is about a courageous journey of transformation,from being an office worker to the first Vietnamese becoming Japan’s Acupuncturist. It’s a story of stepping out of her comfort zone to pursue what she truly wants to do.
Check out the original interview with the link below:
Vietnamese ver: https://tomonivj.jp/voice-of-asean-sempai-vol-113/
Japaneset ver: https://www.mpken.jp/asean-sempai/vol-113
The English version is below
From Ordinary Office Worker to Japan’s First Vietnamese Acupuncturist: My Journey to Finding Life’s Meaning
A Life-Changing Decision
Hokkaido, with its stunning landscapes and warm people, is a special place. My initial goal was to experience Japanese culture, but this journey fundamentally changed my perspective on Japan. Though I initially wasn’t deeply interested, I gradually grew to love Japan and wanted to understand it more, eventually deciding to seek work opportunities there.
Though I considered applying for jobs around Hokkaido, the harsh winter made me reconsider, prompting me to look for opportunities in more vibrant cities with comfortable climates. In 2017, I attended the VysaJobfair in Tokyo and happened to meet the CEO of FPT Japan, who had come from Vietnam. Though I had no experience in sales, I thought, “If it doesn’t work out, I can look for another job. It’s worth a try!” This mindset gave me confidence, and I was able to secure a position, starting as a sales representative at FPT Japan in June 2017.
In the beginning, adjusting to a demanding work environment and learning through frequent feedback was truly challenging. Yet, these difficulties helped me grow and gain valuable skills.
However, after some time, the work pressure began to affect my health, visibly lowering my efficiency. One day, exhausted, I fell asleep during a meeting and was scolded by a client. This made me realize I needed to prioritize my health.
I began experiencing frequent neck and shoulder pain and decided to visit a bone-setting clinic. The treatments were gentle but still painful, so I asked if there were other methods. I was recommended a machine-assisted treatment, but the cost was high. A staff member then suggested trying Japanese acupuncture. I initially thought acupuncture would be painful, but to my surprise, it was entirely painless. Even more remarkable, the pain in my neck and shoulders significantly decreased the next day. This experience sparked my interest in acupuncture.
When I shared my interest with the staff, they mentioned Japan had schools specializing in acupuncture. I eagerly researched online, visited a suitable school, and made an appointment to speak with the teachers.
When I shared my desire to study in this field, the teachers were kind, even though I lacked any medical background, and suggested Japan’s “Education and Training Benefits System,” a government program that aids workers in skill-building for career development. With this support, I could focus on my studies without worrying about living expenses, as the program also provided grants based on attendance.
Though a career in sales offered high income potential, I didn’t feel it truly suited me. On the other hand, acupuncture and health management felt deeply connected to my life’s purpose. In April 2020, I decided to enroll in Shinjuku Medical College to pursue this path.
The Path to Acupuncture: Challenges and Accomplishments
The three years at medical school were an intense journey. On the first day, I was overwhelmed by the vast amount of new information. I had assumed learning acupuncture was just about understanding acupuncture points, but it was much more complex. I also had to study general medicine, anatomy, and physiology.
The technical terms, mainly in ancient kanji, were challenging to grasp. For example, in meridian studies, we were required to memorize and recite all 365 meridians without a five-second pause. To overcome these challenges, I read Vietnamese medical books to build foundational knowledge before tackling Japanese texts.
Through persistent effort, I passed the first year, which was enough to progress. The second year focused on practical skills. Though theory classes went online due to COVID-19, practical classes required attendance at school. At the start, some Japanese classmates were hesitant to work with me, worried about my Japanese proficiency, fearing I might misunderstand instructions and cause mistakes.
I studied rigorously and practiced daily, earning the top score in practical classes by the end of the second year, receiving praise from my instructor. This built my confidence, and my classmates’ attitudes gradually changed; they began to ask me questions and discuss assignments.
Visa Challenges and Licensing Exam
Before enrolling, I was aware that my current work visa (Humanities/International Services) would not allow me to work as an acupuncturist. I considered applying for a business visa to open my own clinic or obtaining residency through my husband if he met the criteria for permanent residency.
Fortunately, my husband was close to meeting these requirements. If everything went as planned, I could acquire a spouse visa for a permanent resident, allowing me to open my clinic freely. The only remaining hurdles were the graduation exam and the national license exam.
I spent countless hours studying both theory and practical skills, joining study groups, and discussing difficult topics. Despite moments of fatigue and pressure, my passion for acupuncture kept me moving forward. In the end, my efforts paid off as I passed the exam, opening the door to the career I had long dreamed of.
A Humble Clinic and Big Dreams
After graduation, I was fortunate to be hired by a prestigious acupuncture clinic in Yotsuya, serving special clients such as artists, sumo wrestlers, and baseball players. Although I put aside my dream of opening my own clinic temporarily, I wanted to keep learning and challenging myself.
Fluent in English, Chinese, and Japanese, I was given the role of handling international clients. Here, I learned much about the Japanese concept of “Omotenashi,” a heartfelt service style.
Later, I became pregnant, but I decided to keep working until it became physically challenging. Prioritizing my and my child’s health, I decided to leave work, but my passion for acupuncture never waned. I started recruiting models on social media, gradually gaining clients through referrals.
I now have a humble acupuncture clinic in my home. I treat neck and shoulder pain, headaches, insomnia, hormone imbalance from work stress, and cold sensitivity. Most of my clients are referred patients who didn’t find lasting relief with Western medicine or bone-setting treatments.
Looking Ahead For A Bright Future
In the future, once my child starts daycare, I plan to expand my work beyond the local area to reach more people in need of acupuncture’s benefits. I am excited about what lies ahead and strive to contribute to others’ health.
