Princess Aiko Attends Laos Festival 2026 in Tokyo; Event Marks 14th Festival Since 2007
The Laos Festival is held annually with the aim of introducing Laotian culture and traditions and promoting exchange with the people. Last year, approximately 200,000 people attended, but this year, with the theme ” Let’s visit Laos 2026,” the number of visitors far exceeded last year’s, and the festival concluded with great success.
Last November, Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko, the eldest daughter of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, visited Laos for her first official overseas visit. In addition to the warm welcome she received in various locations, her beautiful appearance in traditional Laotian attire remains fresh in our memories. Her visit seems to have significantly increased the number of Japanese people who want to travel to Laos.
At this year’s Laos Festival, Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko attended, wearing traditional Laotian attire again. For this festival, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavan Phomvihane traveled from Laos to Japan, attending along with Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Tomoaki Shimada and Shinako Tsuchiya, President of the Japan-Laos Parliamentary Friendship Association. The Lao National Dance Troupe also came to Japan, and a beautiful Lao dance performance was held at the opening ceremony.
Laos currently exports to Japan Beerlao (Lao beer) , handwoven products such as Lao silk, coffee beans, and bananas. Booths showcasing these specialty products were also set up at the Laos Festival. Lao silk is highly regarded worldwide, and new fashion trends are currently attracting attention. Laos is also a major craft nation with a well-developed handwoven culture.
While there are currently no direct flights to Laos, it’s very convenient to travel there via Vietnam and Thailand. The current Lao Ambassador to Japan, H.E. Mr. Amphay Kindavong, is a Japanophile who studied Japanese at the Japan Foundation Japanese Language Center in Saitama Prefecture in his twenties, and is well aware of Japanese tastes. Ambassador Kindavong and his spouse, Madam Phimpha are very enthusiastic about promoting the charms of Laos, and will undoubtedly continue to introduce Laos to Japan as a major tourist destination, further capturing the hearts of Japanese people.
This year’s Laos Festival was exceptionally lively and full of rich Lao culture – truly wonderful.
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