Japan’s Princess Aiko, the daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, is visiting Laos on an official visit to the Southeast Asian country.
On Tuesday, she visited iconic landmarks in the Lao capital of Vientiane, after arriving in the city the previous day.
In the morning, she visited a 49-meter-tall structure built to commemorate the country’s independence from France. Many people gathered, waving Lao and Japanese flags in welcome.
The Princess climbed to a spot close to the top of the memorial and waved back to the people while surveying the city.
She then visited That Luang, a gold-covered stupa, wearing a Lao ethnic costume.
As songs and dances of welcome were performed, she smiled as she exchanged greetings with those she met. Aides say the Princess had learned beforehand the polite Laotian greeting of placing both hands together in front of the chest.
The Princess offered flowers and lit a candle.
About 40 citizens gathered nearby, welcoming her visit.
Emperor Naruhito also visited That Luang during his official trip to Laos in 2012, when he was Crown Prince.
Princess Aiko meets Lao president
The princess later, paid a courtesy call on Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith in the presidential palace. She was dressed in a traditional Lao costume.
Princess Aiko said she is grateful to be visiting the country as this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Laos.
Over the next few days, the princess will visit various places around the country including a school and a children’s hospital established by a Japanese NPO. The princess will return to Japan on Saturday.
AloJapan.com