Japanese imprints representing friendly relations between Vietnam and Japan in Hoi An
Hoi An has marked various memories representing the cooperative and friendly relations between Vietnam and Japan. That good traditional relationship in Hoi An has been around for more than 400 years and it is continuing to be promoted in the new era of integration and development.
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| Cau Pagoda - also known as Japanese Bridge, a symbol of Japan - Hoi An diplomatic relations. (Source: QN) |
In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, Hoi An became the largest trading port in Dang Trong of Vietnam, a place of cultural exchange between Vietnam and other regions. Merchants from all over the world came here to trade. Particularly, Japanese merchants were favored by the Nguyen lords to hold many important positions at Hoi An trading port.
A close and long-standing relationship
The Japanese merchant community was allowed to build commercial establishments and they gradually became an important factor participating in cultural, social and commercial activities in Hoi An port.
During this time, the Japanese held a leading role in Hoi An port and had a close relationship with the Nguyen Lords. Throughout 30 years of the Shogunate (1604 - 1634), Japanese merchant ships were granted licenses to trade at 19 ports of Southeast Asian countries. Particularly, 86 ships went to Hoi An out of a total of 130 ships to Vietnam.
Historians highly appreciate the role of Japanese in promoting the prosperity of Hoi An trading port during the early 17th century, creating momentum for the development of Hoi An in the following centuries. Although only working around Hoi An for a few decades, Japanese left behind many relics which became a vivid expression for the deep cultural exchange between Vietnam and Japan.
Archaeologists found many extremely valuable artifacts related to Japanese, which included bronze coins, bronze mirrors, household items and also many stories, folk legends. In particular, the Cau Pagoda - also known as the Japanese bridge, is said to have been built by Japanese, and it has become a symbol of the World Cultural Heritage - Hoi An.
Over the past time, Hoi An has continuously promoted cooperative and friendly relations with Japanese partners and localities in many fields such as culture, economy, people-to-people exchange.
Continuously promoting mutual cooperation
Japanese organizations and experts have come to Hoi An for the purpose of scientific research, restoring monuments, organizing seminars and many other activities to preserve and promote sustainably Hoi An cultural heritage. Japan also regularly provides financial support for tourism development, environmental protection and heritage conservation in Hoi An such as repairing ancient house and Cau Pagoda, classifying waste, ensuring livelihood for people in Tan Hiep island (Cu Lao Cham).
Recently, local cooperation is among 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 opened in Hoi An, contributing to cultural exchange and time-honored relations between Quang Nam province and Japanese organizations, localities in particular, and between the two countries in general. Since then, the Vietnam - Japan Cultural Space has been maintained and promoted with many interesting and unique activities, attracting millions of tourists each year.
In Hoi An, the relationship between Vietnam and Japan is even closer through the annual "Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange" event. Held for the first time in 2003, the event has attracted great attention from public since then. The programs that took place left many good impressions in the hearts of participants. Therefore, it contributes to the friendly relationship between Vietnamese and Japanese.
"The 19th Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange 2023" event taking place from August 4-6, 2023 is even more meaningful as it is right on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations, thereby contributing to mutual understanding and close relationship between the two countries.
From the solid foundation in the past associated with the mutual cooperation in recent times, it is believe that the cultural and friendly Vietnam-Japan relations in Hoi An will bear fruit with new achievements.
