The recent renovation of Japanese Bridge in Hoi An has sparked a mix of praise and criticism. While some appreciate the fresh look, others believe the renovation has stripped the historic site of its ancient charm.

The extensive renovation of Japanese Bridge began in December 2022, with an investment of over 20 billion VND to preserve this iconic monument. After 19 months, the main restoration work was completed.

However, the new look of Chua Cau has drawn mixed reactions from the public, with many feeling that the restoration, particularly the paint color, has detracted from the monument's historic charm, making it appear younger and unfamiliar.

Minh Tam, from Hanoi, expressed his surprise at the Japanese Bridge's "youthful" appearance. He mentioned that he had always been drawn to the ancient and moss-covered architecture of Hoi An, particularly Japanese Bridge. "The Japanese Bridge I remember was old and historical, but now it looks so modern and young," he shared.

Similarly, My Tien, a tourist from Da Nang, commented that while the restoration retained the original elements, the bright colors made the monument lose its nostalgic and rustic charm.

Hoi An officials respond

Nguyen Van Son, Chairman of Hoi An City People's Committee, addressed the public's concerns about Japanese Bridge's new look after the renovation. He emphasized that the restoration followed strict principles to maintain the original features of the historic site.

Japanese Bridge, with over 400 years of history, is a national special relic and a symbol of cultural exchange between Hoi An and Japan. Over the years, the structure had deteriorated significantly, necessitating the renovation to prevent its collapse. The site receives over 10,000 visitors daily, making the restoration even more crucial.

To prepare for the extensive renovation, numerous domestic and international workshops were held, consulting with many scientists, including Japanese experts. The process ensured transparency, with the site remaining open to visitors during the restoration.

Son explained that each tile and wooden component was marked, with experts assessing the condition of each part to determine what could be preserved or needed replacement. Components that were damaged beyond repair were replaced, but all usable materials were retained to maintain the original features.

He added that repainting was essential to protect the structure, as leaving it in its aged state would lead to further deterioration. The paint colors used were carefully researched to match the original colors of the monument.

Regarding the suggestion to use colors that more closely resemble the pre-renovation look or to make Japanese Bridge appear less new, the Hoi An Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation Center argued that this would contradict the principle of "no falsification," altering the original elements and affecting future research.

The restoration of the roof's decoration was based on remaining original colors and research on similar traditional structures in Hoi An. Despite the appearance of newness, preserving the original features and principles of restoration was paramount. Over time, Chua Cau will naturally regain its weathered look as it ages.

To address public feedback, Hoi An will darken the white borders where the bridge connects to the roof to give the structure a less new appearance. This adjustment will not affect the core value of the monument.