Vietnamese worker wins first prize in rebar trade in Japan for the first time

Surpassing 33 competitors, Mr. Luong Duc Quy (33) became the first foreign worker to win the all-Japan rebar skill competition.

Mr. Luong Duc Quy, a 33-year-old Vietnamese worker, made history on 3/10 by becoming the first foreign national to win the "TETSU-1 GRAND PRIX" Rebar Skill Competition in Japan. Organized by the Japan National Rebar Contractors Association, the 6th annual event in Shizuoka prefecture saw Mr. Quy surpass 33 other skilled contestants to claim the top honor.

The competition's judging criteria were based on accuracy, speed, and completion time of the test.

Ultimately, Mr. Quy, an employee of Tamura Kogyo Company, won first prize and received a commendation from Japan's Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. His victory is particularly notable as it marks the first time a foreign worker has achieved the highest rank in this national competition.

Mr. Luong Duc Quy won first prize at the All-Japan Rebar Skill Competition on 3/10. *Photo: Gurutto*

Japanese media reported that, cheered on by his family, the Vietnamese worker performed the rebar tying operations quickly and accurately. The test required contestants to assemble rebar combinations for foundations, columns, and beams according to technical drawings. Strict adherence to specifications for spacing, position, anchor length, and rebar tying techniques was crucial; incorrect column or beam orientation, or using the wrong materials, could lead to disqualification. The standard time for the test was 80 minutes; exceeding 100 minutes would result in disqualification. Mr. Quy completed it in 46 minutes 45 seconds, over 33 minutes faster than the standard time.

"This was my first time participating, and I set a goal to win the championship", Mr. Quy stated. To achieve this, he dedicated two weeks prior to the competition solely to practicing.

Mr. Quy has worked in Japan for 11 years. During his career in rebar work, he accumulated practical experience on construction sites, leading to assignments where he guided and directed construction on many large projects.

At the opening ceremony, Mr. Naosuke Niitsuma, head of the organizing committee, emphasized that the skills of on-site workers play a decisive role in construction quality, despite the development of machinery technology.

Commenting on the competition results, Shogo Iwata, President of the Japan National Rebar Contractors Association, stated that the participation of foreign workers holds significant importance for Japan's construction industry. According to him, many Vietnamese workers are striving to gain experience and obtain certifications to advance their careers.

"Mr. Quy's success stems from individual effort combined with support and competitive training from colleagues", Mr. Iwata said.