Vietnamese resident becomes first foreign volunteer fire corps member in Japan's Toyama

TOYAMA -- Vietnamese resident Huynh Huu Qui, 38, became the first foreign member of the Toyama city volunteer fire corps on April 2024. By joining the Yamamuro unit, he aims to inspire his fellow countrymen to serve their communities. Huynh came to Japan in 2012 and obtained permanent residency in Toyama Prefecture in 2019. With a declining number of volunteer firefighters - down from 2,382 in 2016 to 1,886 as of April 2024 - the Toyama Fire Department is seeking increased community involvement, even from foreign nationals.

Foreign corps members are expected to provide logistical support and participate in fire-safety awareness activities, but not in duties that involve the exercise of public authority. Huynh patrols the community twice a month and participated in a firefighting skills competition in June. In 2018, he volunteered after landslides devastated parts of western Japan, clearing debris from homes for a month. As the average age of the Yamamuro unit's members is over 50, Huynh has brought the average age down considerably.

The fire corps' recruitment has gained attention on social media, encouraging other Vietnamese residents to join. Huynh, who enjoys Japanese cuisine, especially sushi, and fishing, hopes to encourage more Vietnamese people to participate in the volunteer fire corps.