The symbol of Hoi An, the Japanese Covered Bridge was first built in the 1590s by the Japanese community to connect it with Chinatowns; The decoration has remained over the centuries in the original Japanese style. The structure was built solidly due to the danger of earthquakes. At the entrances to the bridge there are statues, a pair of monkeys on one side and a pair of dogs on the other side. Plaques are written listing the names of all the Vietnamese and Chinese contributors. On the subsequent restoration of the bridge.