Speaking at the ceremony, Vice Chairman of the City People's Committee Le Quang Nam stated that Japan is currently the leading investor of FDI projects in Da Nang with 222 projects totalling more than 1 billion USD. The City also actively conducts cultural exchanges with Japan through the organization of the annual Viet Nam - Japan Cultural Exchange Festival, Hanami Festival, Cherry Blossom Festival, and many youth exchange activities.

2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Japan. Da Nang City plans to organize many programs and events to celebrate important milestones in the extensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia between the two countries such as: the "Meet Japan" Conference; the 8th Viet Nam - Japan Cultural Exchange Festival in Da Nang; Japanese Film Week; the Japan Pavilion at the EWEC International Trade, Investment, and Tourism Fair; an introduction to Da Nang tourism in Tokyo; and seminars on investment promotion and trade cooperation.

With the groundbreaking ceremony of the Mikazuki pedestrian overpass funded by Mikazuki Hotel Group, Da Nang will have another key economic and cultural project for the Xuan Thieu Tourist Area in particular and the northwest region of the city in general, showing the strong friendship between Viet Nam and Japan.

Vice Chairman of the City People's Committee Le Quang Nam suggested that Mikazuki Group work closely with city departments and localities to complete the project by May as committed by the investor and put the project into effective operation as planned, as well as support activities organized by Da Nang City contributing to the series of events that celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Japan in 2023.

The groundbreaking ceremony for construction of a pedestrian overpass across Nguyen Tat Thanh Street

The overpass is expected to be nearly 11 metres high and more than 140 metres long with a floor area of about 655 m2. With a modern Japanese architectural style, the path leading up to the bridge represents a knot in the Japanese art of knitting strings, expressing the strong bond between the two cultures of Viet Nam and Japan.

The shape is inspired by sea waves, creating lightness and relaxation and at the same time connecting with the landscape of the area. The combination of curves made of wood and details from Japanese culture creates a modern yet traditional character. Outside the two observatories, a steel, spiral staircase is also arranged and an elevator will be installed so that people with disabilities can easily access it. The project has a total cost of 42 billion VND.

According to Japanese Consul General in Da Nang Yakabe Yoshinori, the overpass will cross Nguyen Tat Thanh Street and connect 2 buildings of the Mikazuki Hotel. It is a beautiful and modernly designed flyover.

"We are eagerly looking forward to the completion of the bridge. In particular, this year is the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Viet Nam. The bridge will be completed and presented to the City for this important milestone. I think this is very meaningful. I hope this bridge will be loved by the people of Da Nang for a long time as a symbol of the friendship between Japan and Da Nang," Mr. Yakabe Yoshinori shared.

According to Mr. Odaka Yoshimune, Chairman of Mikazuki Hotel Group, this year is the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Japan. On this special occasion many events will take place, one of which is Da Nang Mikazuki holding the groundbreaking ceremony for the Mikazuki overpass. This is part of the project's plan since 2017, aiming to create the safest way to cross the street for both tourists and residents of Da Nang in general and Lien Chieu District in particular.

"The bridge is designed in a modern Japanese style, will be a memorable highlight on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Japan, and a place to celebrate Japanese culture. In particular, the bridge not only meets the needs of walking, but it also brings interesting experiences to those who cross it. Moreover, the bridge will give us a feeling that the relationship between the two countries will be long-lasting and prosperous," Mr. Odaka Yoshimune said.

CONG TAM