In 2011, Vietnam embarked on an ambitious journey with the introduction of the “Vietnam Tourism Development Strategy 2020,” a government-driven initiative aimed at positioning the tourism sector as a primary catalyst for the country’s economic advancement. As the decade unfolded, Vietnam successfully emerged as a premier destination in Southeast Asia, fostering increased global engagement and undergoing a transformative evolution.

The pursuit of globalization and the desire to attract tourism compelled the government to reassess some of its more stringent policies, notably those pertaining to sex workers. Despite the illegality of sex work in Vietnam, local authorities have displayed a growing tolerance in recent years, reducing pressure on both workers and customers—a shift influenced, in part, by the precedent set by Thailand. Notably, the government’s departure from previous practices, where Vietnamese sex workers were routinely subjected to arrest and deportation to “rehabilitation” camps until 2013, marks a positive development.

While concerns persist regarding the long-term implications and the potential risk of Vietnam becoming an unintended hub for sex tourism, the government’s altered stance has unexpectedly contributed to advancements in women’s rights. Sex workers, emboldened by this shift, are increasingly stepping out of the shadows and uniting to advocate for their rights. Aligned with the principles outlined by Human Rights Watch to safeguard sex workers’ rights, their participation in the Sex Work is Work movement is a groundbreaking effort to be officially recognized as legal laborers rather than being unfairly labeled as criminals, victims, disease carriers, or sinners by the government.

SAIGON, JAPAN was captured in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, situated within the unofficial red-light district referred to as “Little Tokyo.” Over recent years, this downtown enclave in the upscale District 1 has been tailored to cater to the preferences of expats and tourists, particularly the vital Japanese investor community in Vietnam’s financial capital. The narrow lanes of Little Tokyo now host a myriad of sushi restaurants and establishments masquerading as spas, karaoke bars, or massage parlors.

By opening up and sharing their stories, the women featured in this series make a bold and self-empowering statement. Their narratives shed light on the hypocrisy and societal stigma surrounding sex work in Vietnam and, by extension, in many societies globally.

The project was developed through January 2020 with photographer Consuelo Oppizzi, whose series can be seen here.