Lao Embassy in Japan Holds “LAO FASHION AND CULTURE FESTIVAL”: Modern Designs of Traditional Laotian Textiles for the 70th Anniversary of Japan–Laos Diplomatic Relations

Model wearing modern Laotian traditional textile design by Ock Pop Tok at the Lao Fashion and Culture Festival in Japan

Laos, which celebrated the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Japan in 2025, attracted considerable attention due to the visit of Princess Aiko, the daughter of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress. During her visit to Laos, Princess Aiko wore the traditional Laotian national costume, a wrap-around skirt called a “sinh” and a shawl called a “bah biang.” Many Japanese people were reportedly captivated by the beauty of the Laotian national costume worn by Princess Aiko.

In Laos, the national costume “sinh” is an integral part of the daily lives of Laotian women, and is worn in combination with Western-style blouses and jackets for commuting, school, and everyday wear. The beauty and sophisticated techniques of traditional Laotian textiles likely contribute to the widespread popularity of this national costume. The “sinh” is a wrap-around skirt made of woven fabric, and its charm lies in the patterns and colors of the weave. Commonly sold in markets, the “sinh” remains one of the most important items in Laotian women’s attire, representing the long-cultivated culture of the nation.

Miss Universe Laos and dignitaries wearing traditional Laotian sinh costumes at the Lao Fashion and Culture Festival in Japan

”Traditional craft of Naga motif weaving in Lao communities” was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2023.

Laotian fashion, utilizing the beauty of this traditional garment and its traditional weaving techniques, is now attracting attention throughout Asia. In conjunction with “LAO FASHION AND CULTURE FESTIVAL,”and this fashion show, young designers active in Laos visited Japan to showcase their collections.

Young Laotian designers and organizers pose on stage at the Lao Fashion and Culture Festival in Japan for the 70th anniversary of Japan-Laos diplomatic relations

The items presented in the collections evoked the climate and traditional culture of Laos, a landlocked country located at the southern tip of the Indochina Peninsula, with many items utilizing translucent natural materials. As the models walked, the materials themselves swayed beautifully, as if the wind were passing through their bodies. The colors, reminiscent of natural plant dyes, conveyed the gentle nature of the Laotian people. In a fashion industry increasingly dominated by synthetic fibers, fashion using such natural fibers felt incredibly refreshing, and it was a moment to be captivated once again by the beauty of fabrics spun by highly skilled handiwork.

Models on the runway at the Lao Fashion and Culture Festival fashion show marking the 70th anniversary of Laos-Japan diplomatic relations

In 2025, the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and Japan, Lao Prime Minister Sonxay visited Japan, and bilateral relations were upgraded to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”

Ambassador Ampay Kindavong, currently stationed in Japan, came to Japan in his mid-twenties, studied Japanese at the International Exchange Japanese Language Training Center in Saitama Prefecture, and is known as a Japanophile who has cultivated close friendships with many Japanese people.

Lao Ambassador Ampay Kindavong and Japanese dignitary with models in traditional Laotian textiles at the Lao Fashion and Culture Festival in Japan

There are high expectations for even better and further development of bilateral relations in the future. This year, the Laos Festival, scheduled to be held at Yoyogi Park on May 23rd and 24th, will surely showcase Laos’ wonderful traditional culture and a new side of the country.

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