Da Nang light art show honors Japan-Vietnam friendship

A massive light art installation wows crowds of visitors beside Da Nang’s Han River in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations.

The light art performance will be on display at a park west of the famous Dragon Bridge on Bach Dang Street, Hai Chau District, until July 23.

Spanning an area of 500 m2, the themes of the performance include Japanese cherry blossoms and Vietnamese lotus lakes, all presented in distinct color schemes.

Representatives of the Japanese Consulate General in Vietnam, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Da Nang (JCCID) and the Da Nang People's Committee all press a button to begin the light performance on the shores of the Han River on Wednesday.

The performance was a "gift" sponsored by JCCID to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Vietnam and Japan establishing diplomatic relations.

Ngo Thi Kim Yen, deputy chairwoman of Da Nang (front, middle), and Yakabe Yoshinori, the Japanese Consul General in Da Nang (front, left) were the first ones to take a tour of the light performance.

"This light art space will bring a new experience to the people and tourists, and make them feel the friendly relations between Vietnam and Japan," Yen said.

People walk under a dome with pink lights, representing cherry blossoms.

The light performance will be on from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. every day.

The JCCID has installed 500,000 LED lights for the performance. Back in March, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in HCMC also installed lights for performances in HCMC.

People take photos during the light performance.

Le Phuong (R) takes a photo with her friend.

"This will be a photo-shooting area for locals and tourists for the coming days, especially at the heights of tourism season at the beach town," she said.

A Vietnamese lotus within blue lights supported by metal frames.

"One of the reasons why we chose a light performance to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Vietnam and Japan establishing diplomatic relations is the fact that each milestone throughout the 50-year journey is like the little lights that shine next to each other... And from afar, it looks like a beautiful artwork," said Keiji Hirayama, chairman of JCCID.

As the night falls, more people gather at the site to watch the light performance.

Aerial view of the light performance.

Vietnam and Japan established diplomatic relations on September 21, 1973.

"I hope that through the light performance for people to enjoy every night, from now until July 23, the friendly relations between Vietnam and Japan will grow even closer," said Yakabe Yoshinori, Japanese Consul General in Da Nang.