Japanese imprint in Hoi An

Hoi An is a place that marks the diplomatic relationship, cooperation and friendship between the two countries and peoples of Vietnam and Japan. That good traditional relationship in Hoi An has existed for more than 400 years and continues to be nurtured and promoted in the new era of integration and development.

From the end of the 16th century to the beginning of the 17th century, Hoi An became the largest trading port in the Dang Trong region of Vietnam, a place of convergence and cultural exchange between Vietnam and other regions in the world. Merchants from all over the world came here to gather and trade, among which Japanese merchants were admired by the Nguyen lords and were given many important positions at the trading port of Hoi An.

Long-standing, close relationship

The Japanese merchant community was allowed to establish their own streets, build commercial establishments and live according to their own customs. They gradually became important figures participating in cultural, social and especially economic and commercial activities in the urban-commercial port of Hoi An, and were appointed as the Governor General (Mayor) of Hoi An.

During this time, the Japanese held a leading role in the port of Hoi An and had a very close and intimate relationship with the Nguyen Lords, so much so that European merchants considered Hoi An as a Japanese port. During the 30 years under the Shogunate (1604 - 1634), Japanese merchant ships (Red Seal Ships) were licensed to trade at 19 ports in Southeast Asian countries. Of these, 86 ships arrived in Hoi An out of a total of 130 ships arriving in Vietnam.

The event "The 19th Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange 2023" takes place from August 4-6, 2023 in Hoi An - Quang Nam.

Historians highly appreciate the role of the Japanese in promoting the prosperity of the Hoi An trading port during the early 17th century, creating momentum for the rise of Hoi An urban area in the following centuries. Although they only appeared for a few decades, the Japanese left many relics and traces on Hoi An land, vividly demonstrating the deep cultural exchange relationship between Vietnam and Japan.

Archaeologists have found many valuable artifacts related to the Japanese. In addition to architectural styles of houses, ancient tombs, bronze coins, bronze mirrors, and Hizen ceramic household items, there are many stories, folk legends, and dishes that are said to have originated from the Japanese. In particular, the Japanese Covered Bridge relic - also known as the Japanese Bridge, is said to have been built by the Japanese, and has now become a symbol of the World Cultural Heritage - Hoi An. The Japanese Covered Bridge is associated with a "world legend" about a turtle with its head in India, its tail in Japan, and its body in Hoi An...

Always preserving, continuing and developing that good relationship, in recent times, Hoi An has continuously promoted the exchange, cooperation and friendship with Japanese partners and localities in many fields such as culture, economy, people-to-people exchange...

Constantly promote exchange and cooperation

Japanese organizations and experts have come to Hoi An to cooperate in scientific research, relic restoration, organize seminars, training, technical consultation, technology transfer and carry out many other activities to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Hoi An sustainably. Japan also regularly provides financial support for tourism development projects, environmental protection and heritage conservation in Hoi An such as restoration of ancient houses, Cau Pagoda, waste classification at source, ensuring livelihoods for people in Tan Hiep island commune (Cu Lao Cham)...

The Japanese Covered Bridge - also known as the Japanese Bridge, is a symbol of Japan - Hoi An diplomatic relations.

In recent times, local exchange and cooperation has been one of the areas that Quang Nam province has promoted with Japanese partners. Hoi An was chosen as a friend of Japanese localities through the international friendship exchange program of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).

In November 2017, within the framework of the APEC Summit Week in Vietnam, the Vietnam - Japan Cultural Space was inaugurated in Hoi An ancient town, contributing to promoting cultural exchange activities and the good traditional friendship between Hoi An city, Quang Nam province and Japanese organizations and localities in particular, between the two countries and the two peoples of Vietnam and Japan in general. Since then, the Vietnam - Japan Cultural Space has been maintained and promoted with many interesting and unique activities, attracting millions of visitors to visit and experience each year.

In Hoi An, the relationship between Vietnam and Japan is even closer through the organization of the annual event “Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange”. Held for the first time since 2003, after many times of organization, the event has created a buzz, attracting the attention of the public. The programs that took place left many good impressions in the hearts of the participants. From there, contributing to strengthening the exchange and friendship between the people of Hoi An, Quang Nam, Vietnam and Japan.

Mr. Nguyen Van Son - Chairman of Hoi An City People's Committee spoke at the event "Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange" in 2023.

The event "The 19th Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange in 2023" taking place from August 4-6, 2023 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations is even more meaningful, thereby contributing to enhancing mutual understanding, consolidating and promoting the close and affectionate relationship between the two countries and two peoples.

It can be said that from the solid foundation of the friendly cooperative relationship in the past combined with the effective cooperation process in recent times, we believe that the cultural exchange and friendship between Vietnam and Japan in Hoi An will certainly bear fruit with new achievements.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/dau-an-nhat-ban-o-hoi-an-245393.html