Strengthening Vietnam - Japan relations

In the 1990s, the Japanese joined experts from Poland, the Netherlands, Canada, Thailand, the U.S., Australia, and Vietnam to preserve Hoi An’s cultural heritage.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Japanese experts studied Japanese relics in Hoi An, including quarters, a bridge, tombs, and architecture. Then, the March 1990 international conference marked a milestone, leading to the Hoi An conservation project.

The Institute of International Studies at Showa Women’s University researched Hoi An’s geography, history, archaeology, and culture, while also raising funds for its conservation.

Annual seminars in Hoi An and Tokyo and expert excavations helped identify Japanese settlements in Hoi An. Their findings built a rich database, supporting Hoi An’s UNESCO recognition in 1999.

Since then, Japan has continued to help preserve and promote Hoi An’s heritage.

The over-20-billion-VND project on restoring the Japanese Covered Bridge received financial assistance from the Sumitomo Foundation and Japanese professional support from JICA.

Besides, Japan has helped Quang Nam and Hoi An preserve the ancient town of Hoi An for 35 years with the principle of remaining true to its original structure and architecture, ensuring its cultural and historical values, and adapting to international standard criteria for conservation, contributing to raising Hoi An's position on the world heritage map.

Japan also provided training in cultural heritage conservation, strengthening Vietnam - Japan cooperation, which has boosted Hoi An’s global recognition and tourism, especially among Japanese visitors.