Laos and Japan are marking a milestone year in their relationship. Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko will visit Laos from 17 to 22 November, her first overseas trip since coming of age.
The 23-year-old daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will spend several days in Vientiane, make a brief stop in Luang Prabang, and return to Japan on 22 November.
The visit coincides with two anniversaries: 70 years of diplomatic relations and 60 years since the first Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) volunteers arrived in Laos.
Although the Imperial Household Agency has not disclosed full details of her program, a few engagements are already confirmed, and generating buzz in Vientiane.
Martial Art Center
The princess will stop at the Budo Center, the country’s busiest hub for martial arts. Established with Japanese government support in 2008, the center began with judo and karate and has since expanded to kendo and aikido.
Its student base has grown quickly, drawing young people from the capital, other provinces, and neighbouring countries, including many children of foreign workers. Karate now counts around 200 students, while more than 100 train in judo.
Lao Judo Federation official Mayouly Phanouvong said preparations have been underway for weeks.
“We are very excited that the princess chose Laos for her first trip abroad,” she said. “She will come to visit the center, and there will be demonstrations of the sports, about five minutes each.”
Students have also been practicing traditional Japanese performances for the occasion, she said.
The timing is packed. National judo competitions run from 15–18 November, followed by karate from 20–23 November.
Judo at Vientiane’s Budo Center.
Mayouly hopes the royal spotlight brings lasting benefits.
“For sure, the princess’s visit will change things here, and hopefully the support will be more,” she said. “We always appreciate the help from the Japanese government and the people of Japan.”
“Our center was built in 2008, so a lot of the equipment is getting old. Most of it is made in Japan, which makes it hard and expensive to replace,” Mayouly said.
A Quick Visit
On her trip to Laos, Princess Aiko is also expected to meet President Thongloun Sisoulith soon after she arrives, with a formal dinner hosted by Vice President Pany Yathotou also on the schedule.
She’ll visit That Luang Stupa, Patuxai, and the COPE Visitor Center, where Japan has backed UXO clearance and rehabilitation work for years.
She’ll also make a quick trip to Luang Prabang, where she’s set to stop by the National Museum and the Lao Friends Hospital for Children before returning to Vientiane the same day. Local officials say preparations are underway but are keeping the details low-key.
This will only be the fifth imperial family visit to Laos, the last one being Emperor Naruhito’s trip as crown prince in 2012.
AloJapan.com