The Japanese Bridge opens after a 19-month restoration by Japanese and Vietnamese experts. It was one of key events during the 20th Hội An-Japan Cultural Exchange on August 2-4. Photo courtesy of Khánh Chi

HÔI AN – The inauguration of the Japanese Bridge restoration project was one of key focuses in the annual 20th Hội An-Japan Cultural Exchange in the ancient town.

The festival (August 2-4) featured efforts by Japanese partners and Hội An Town in organising the friendship and people-to-people exchange event over past two decades.

The bridge, which underwent a major restoration from 2022-24, will now be safe as a stronger iconic image of Hội An, representing ever closer friendly ties between the ancient town and Japan for the last 400 years.

An art performance stages in the opening ceremony of the annual 20th Hội An-Japan Cultural Exchange in Hội An. Photo courtesy of Sơn Ca

The Institute of International Culture, Showa women’s University of Japan also presented Hội An Town with a model of Japanese covered bridge on the festival on Saturday, while the premiere of the Opera ‘Princess Anio’ was also introduced in Hội An.

A book on the restorative works of the bridge was launched at the inauguration ceremony on of the bridge.

Mori Takero, head of Consul General of the Japanese consulate in Đà Nẵng, highly appreciated the efforts made by Hội An and Japanese partners in hosting the Hội An-Japan Cultural Exchange since 2003.

“I would like to express my gratitude to those who have contributed to the development of relations between Hội An and Japan, especially those who have worked hard to continue the festivities in Quảng Nam Province and Hội An City,” Mori said.

The reenactment of the 17th-century wedding procession of Vietnamese Princess Ngọc Hoa and Japanese businessman Araki Sotaro staged in the Old Quarter of Hội An in the Hội An-Japan Cultural Exchange. Photo courtesy of Lê Sơn Ca

“The driving force that has made it possible is the common desire of Hội An and Japan to cherish their history,” he said at the opening ceremony of the festival.

“Kato Hitoshi, former chairman of Japan-Việt Nam Friendship association in Sakai and grand-father of Kato Hiroki from Sakai City, Osaka and Sugi Ryotaro, former Việt Nam-Japan Special Ambassador also participated in the inauguration of the Japanese Bridge, making a significant contribution to this festival.” 

Mori also extended congratulations for the 20th Hội An-Japan Festival which began in 2003 on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Việt Nam.

A series of programmes, cultural events and exhibitions were held in the Old Quarter and Centre of Japanese Culture Exchange in Hội An including a Japanese calligraphy experience, tea-making, origami (paper folding), exhibitions of Japanese dolls and Ukiyo-e Arts (Japanese woodblock prints and paintings from the 17th through 19th centuries).

A sports exchange was organised between the 2021 J-League champion Kawasaki Frontale and local fans, along with baseball, boxing and pro-wrestling events in the ancient town.

The Old Quarter also hosted the reenactment of a 17th-century wedding procession held for Vietnamese Princess Ngọc Hoa and Japanese businessman Araki Sotaro – the major focus of the event – as a key programme of the festival.

Historians and cultural experts said the relationship between the Japanese community and Hội An was built 400 years ago when Japanese traders settled lives at the busy port town, making it their second home.

Local people in Hội An continue to preserve and tale care of three tombs of Japanese traders who died in Hội An in the 17th century in Cẩm Châu Commune.

Tani Yajirobei is believed to have died in 1647 and his records include the oldest and clearest information related to his life, including a love affair with a local woman. His tomb is one of the most popular among Japanese visitors.

Kids join a painting experience in the annual 20th Hội An-Japan Cultural Exchange on the Hoài River banks in Hội An ancient town. VNS Photo Công Thành

Experts from Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) have partnered with Hội An in building a waste treatment plant and restoring old Japanese style houses, along with working on the Japanese Bridge.

Hiromichi Tomoda, professor from Showa Women’s University, said Japanese merchants came to the town in the 16-17th century and a town was formed.

Hội An and Đà Nẵng are the second home of a large Japanese community – who have opened Japanese-styled restaurant, doing business and making investments, voluntary works, as well offering technical support to Việt Nam in different projects. VNS