Friendship over 400 years

From the beginning of the ancient town of Hoi An (XVI century), a lot of traders from countries, especially Japan, came to Hoi An to trade, live and build many unique cultural and architectural constructions. The most unique one is Lai Vien Bridge (Chua Cau) – the only ancient bridge left in Hoi An. This is a beautiful symbol of cultural interference and the long-lasting relationship between the two countries. It can be determined that the history of cultural exchanges of Hoi An and Japan has been taking place quite a long time. At the end of the sixteenth century, this was the period when the Nguyen Lords implemented the open door policy in Dang Trong. Meanwhile, the Japanese government also granted Indian licenses to merchant ships to the sea. In Hoi An, a Japanese residential area called “Nhat Bon street” or “Nhat Bon palace” was established. The maintenance of the annual Hoi An-Japan Cultural Exchange Program is also a testament to the continuous strengthened and strong relationship in all fields between Vietnam and Japan.

According to Mr. Vo Phung – Director of Hoi An Cultural and Cultural Center, the predestined relationship of Hoi An and Japan is also reflected in the fact that many Japanese merchants in Hoi An have married Vietnamese wives and generations of Vietnamese descendants. living in Japan. Thus, more than 400 years ago, under the Japanese roofs in the ancient town of Hoi An, there was contact and interaction between the two lifestyles, the two behavioral styles Vietnam – Japan.