Tokyo, Aug. 29 -- Igari Kasumasa, later known in Vietnam as "comrade Phan Lai," was a former Japanese army officer who gave up the imperial uniform to join the Viet Minh, a decision that transformed his life and laid the foundation for a touching bond between the two nations and peoples. More than 80 years later, his son - photographer Phan The Vong (Japanese name Igari Masao) continues that legacy, driven by a deep love for his mother's homeland where his father once lived, fought, and devoted his life. The father - The remarkable international soldier Born in 1919, Igari Kasumasa graduated from the Tokyo Medical and Dental University in 1943 before joining the army. In early 1945, he was assigned to Vietnam as commander of a guard compa...