An Asahi-class destroyer from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) with 220 crewmembers led by Colonel Jio Takemasa has started a friendly four-day visit to Da Nang City April 2.
The JS Asahi (DD119)’s visit aims to promote trust and exchanges between the two countries’ navy forces in the context of the Viet Nam–Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World, the city’s foreign affairs department said.
Japanese Ambassador to Viet Nam Ito Naoki delivered an address at the welcome ceremony at Tiên Sa Port.
The Japanese vessel and its crew members will participate in sport exchanges and joint exercises at sea, as well as explore cultural and tourism destinations in the city during the visit.
Earlier this year, a ship from the Japanese Coast Guard also paid a five-day visit to Da Nang.
Da Nang, the first city in central Viet Nam to promote cooperation with Japanese partners in workforce training, has signed memoranda of understanding on investment and cooperation with Yokohama, Kawasaki, Nagasaki, Kisarazu, Kinokawa and Sakai.
The beach city has also established ties with 20 other Japanese cities, including Mitsuke, Kagoshima, Okayama, Kobe, Yaizu, Fukuoka and Ohtawara, and is home to 301 Japanese investment projects worth US$1.28 billion, creating about 50,000 jobs in central Viet Nam.
Da Nang and the ancient town of Hoi An host the annual Viet Nam–Japan Cultural Festival, a symbolic exchange reflecting the deepening ties between Japan and Viet Nam and between Japan and Da Nang over the past few decades.
On April 1, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a JPY50 billion (about US$314 million) loan agreement with the Government of Viet Nam to finance a green transformation program aimed at advancing green growth and strengthening climate change adaptation.
More than 2,000 Japanese enterprises are currently operating in Viet Nam, making the country one of the most attractive destinations for business expansion within the ASEAN region.
In 2023, Japanese Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko visited Da Nang and the former Quảng Nam Province as part of an official trip to Viet Nam. Japanese experts from JICA also supported restoration work on the iconic Japanese Bridge in Hoi An’s Old Quarter.
Residents in Hoi An have also made efforts to preserve three tombs belonging to Japanese traders who died in the town in the 17th century, located in Cam Chau Commune.
Japan officially promoted its Consulate Office in Da Nang to a Consulate-General to boost trade, tourism, investment and relationship ties with the city and the entire central region.
Da Nang hosted 290,000 Japanese tourists last year. — VNS