From 24 to 25 May, Japan celebrated the Laos Festival 2025 at Yoyogi Park in Tokyo, marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and Japan. With the theme “Laos You Can Visit in a Day,” the event offered a cultural experience that allowed Japanese visitors to immerse themselves in Lao traditions, cuisine, music, and language.
Designed as a “visitor-participation Laos festival,” the two-day event featured a wide range of interactive activities.
Highlights included the traditional Baci ceremony, where a Lao monk tied sacred threads around visitors’ wrists while offering blessings. Visitors also had the chance to join a Lao dance workshop and take part in Lao language lessons.
One of the most popular attractions was a parade recreating the Lao Rocket Festival, held three times each day, which welcomed public participation.
The Lao Rocket Festival. (Laos Embassy Photographer/ Yuzaburo Era)
The festival concluded with a special prayer by a Lao monk during the grand finale, wishing happiness and prosperity to all attendees.
Food and drink booths showcased Lao culinary delights rarely found in Japan. Attendees enjoyed signature dishes alongside Beer Lao, which has won a gold medal at the World Beer Competition. A product fair featured a range of Laotian goods, including silk skirts and shirts, herbal teas, coffee, handmade crafts, and ethnic clothing.
Entertainment was a central part of the festival, with live performances by artists from both Laos and Japan. The main stage featured traditional dances performed by the Lao government troupe and musical sets using ethnic instruments such as the khene. A satellite stage hosted additional cultural performances, including Laotian songs and interactive shows for children.
Families were also catered for with a “kids’ corner,” which included a play area, cultural crafts, and eco-bag making activities. The festival placed strong emphasis on environmental consciousness, with cleaning and beautification activities led by volunteers, including students from Sakura International High School. The event’s Eco Station promoted sustainability throughout the grounds.
As both countries mark 70 years of diplomatic ties, the event served as a platform to promote mutual understanding and closer people-to-people connections.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Laos-Festival-in-Japan-2025.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-06-06 11:35:012025-05-27 12:11:46Laos Festival 2025 Brings Cultural Celebration to Tokyo
Princess Aiko of Japan will visit Laos in November, marking her first official overseas engagement. The visit commemorates the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Laos, which were established in 1955.
During her trip, Princess Aiko is expected to meet with Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith and attend a commemorative ceremony. The exact date of her visit has not yet been announced.
The daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, Princess Aiko, currently works at the Japanese Red Cross Society and has been gradually taking on more public duties.
While this will be her first official diplomatic trip abroad, she has previously traveled overseas for personal and educational purposes. These include a family trip to the Netherlands in 2006 and a summer study program in the United Kingdom in 2018.
The Japanese Imperial Family has made three previous visits to Laos.
In 1999, Prince and Princess Akishino visited on a goodwill mission. In 2010, Prince Akishino returned with Princess Mako for a cultural and research-focused visit. In 2012, then-Crown Prince Naruhito (now Emperor) visited to observe development projects and meet with Lao leaders.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Japan-prince-Laos.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-06-05 10:57:002025-05-26 10:59:45Japan’s Princess Aiko to Visit Laos in First Official Overseas Trip
The iconic That Dam, or Black Stupa, one of Vientiane’s most culturally significant landmarks, is set to undergo a major restoration as part of a new preservation initiative led by the Lao government.
Authorities from Chanthabouly district convened on 14 May to assess the feasibility of restoring the ancient stupa, launching a comprehensive survey to identify areas in need of repair.
The restoration effort will be a collaborative venture between the public and private sectors, with the Vientiane Capital Administration spearheading the initiative.
The Department of Culture, under the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, will work alongside the Buddhist Fellowship Organization of Laos to compile an official historical report on the monument.
Meanwhile, private entities will provide crucial funding to support the restoration.
Located near the intersection of Setthathirath Road and Sithane Road, just a short walk from the American Center Vientiane, That Dam is one of the city’s most easily accessible landmarks. Its dark weathered exterior and mysterious origin have long intrigued both locals and visitors.
In Lao, “That” means a structure that holds relics of the Buddha, and “Dam” means black. No one knows exactly when the stupa was built, but experts think it was built in the 16th century.
A local legend adds mystery to the site. People say a seven-headed Naga, a mythical water serpent in Buddhist stories, once guarded the stupa.
Long ago, the stupa was covered in gold. But during the Siamese-Laotian War in the 1820s, Siamese soldiers took the gold. Since then, the stupa has remained dark colored.
The upcoming renovation will help protect the old structure. It will also attract more tourists and help people learn more about Vientiane’s cultural heritage, the authorities believe.
Further details about the restoration timeline and budget allocation are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG_1537.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-06-04 10:55:002025-05-26 10:57:23Vientiane Discusses Restoration Plan of Historic Black Stupa
Laos Festival 2025 Brings Cultural Celebration to Tokyo
From 24 to 25 May, Japan celebrated the Laos Festival 2025 at Yoyogi Park in Tokyo, marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and Japan. With the theme “Laos You Can Visit in a Day,” the event offered a cultural experience that allowed Japanese visitors to immerse themselves in Lao traditions, cuisine, music, and language.
Designed as a “visitor-participation Laos festival,” the two-day event featured a wide range of interactive activities.
Highlights included the traditional Baci ceremony, where a Lao monk tied sacred threads around visitors’ wrists while offering blessings. Visitors also had the chance to join a Lao dance workshop and take part in Lao language lessons.
One of the most popular attractions was a parade recreating the Lao Rocket Festival, held three times each day, which welcomed public participation.
The festival concluded with a special prayer by a Lao monk during the grand finale, wishing happiness and prosperity to all attendees.
Food and drink booths showcased Lao culinary delights rarely found in Japan. Attendees enjoyed signature dishes alongside Beer Lao, which has won a gold medal at the World Beer Competition. A product fair featured a range of Laotian goods, including silk skirts and shirts, herbal teas, coffee, handmade crafts, and ethnic clothing.
Entertainment was a central part of the festival, with live performances by artists from both Laos and Japan. The main stage featured traditional dances performed by the Lao government troupe and musical sets using ethnic instruments such as the khene. A satellite stage hosted additional cultural performances, including Laotian songs and interactive shows for children.
Families were also catered for with a “kids’ corner,” which included a play area, cultural crafts, and eco-bag making activities. The festival placed strong emphasis on environmental consciousness, with cleaning and beautification activities led by volunteers, including students from Sakura International High School. The event’s Eco Station promoted sustainability throughout the grounds.
As both countries mark 70 years of diplomatic ties, the event served as a platform to promote mutual understanding and closer people-to-people connections.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/05/26/laos-festival-2025-brings-cultural-celebration-to-tokyo/
Japan’s Princess Aiko to Visit Laos in First Official Overseas Trip
Princess Aiko of Japan will visit Laos in November, marking her first official overseas engagement. The visit commemorates the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Laos, which were established in 1955.
During her trip, Princess Aiko is expected to meet with Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith and attend a commemorative ceremony. The exact date of her visit has not yet been announced.
The daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, Princess Aiko, currently works at the Japanese Red Cross Society and has been gradually taking on more public duties.
While this will be her first official diplomatic trip abroad, she has previously traveled overseas for personal and educational purposes. These include a family trip to the Netherlands in 2006 and a summer study program in the United Kingdom in 2018.
The Japanese Imperial Family has made three previous visits to Laos.
In 1999, Prince and Princess Akishino visited on a goodwill mission. In 2010, Prince Akishino returned with Princess Mako for a cultural and research-focused visit. In 2012, then-Crown Prince Naruhito (now Emperor) visited to observe development projects and meet with Lao leaders.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/05/23/japans-princess-aiko-to-visit-laos-in-first-official-overseas-trip/
Vientiane Discusses Restoration Plan of Historic Black Stupa
The iconic That Dam, or Black Stupa, one of Vientiane’s most culturally significant landmarks, is set to undergo a major restoration as part of a new preservation initiative led by the Lao government.
Authorities from Chanthabouly district convened on 14 May to assess the feasibility of restoring the ancient stupa, launching a comprehensive survey to identify areas in need of repair.
The restoration effort will be a collaborative venture between the public and private sectors, with the Vientiane Capital Administration spearheading the initiative.
The Department of Culture, under the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, will work alongside the Buddhist Fellowship Organization of Laos to compile an official historical report on the monument.
Meanwhile, private entities will provide crucial funding to support the restoration.
Located near the intersection of Setthathirath Road and Sithane Road, just a short walk from the American Center Vientiane, That Dam is one of the city’s most easily accessible landmarks. Its dark weathered exterior and mysterious origin have long intrigued both locals and visitors.
In Lao, “That” means a structure that holds relics of the Buddha, and “Dam” means black. No one knows exactly when the stupa was built, but experts think it was built in the 16th century.
A local legend adds mystery to the site. People say a seven-headed Naga, a mythical water serpent in Buddhist stories, once guarded the stupa.
Long ago, the stupa was covered in gold. But during the Siamese-Laotian War in the 1820s, Siamese soldiers took the gold. Since then, the stupa has remained dark colored.
The upcoming renovation will help protect the old structure. It will also attract more tourists and help people learn more about Vientiane’s cultural heritage, the authorities believe.
Further details about the restoration timeline and budget allocation are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/05/23/vientiane-discusses-restoration-plan-of-historic-black-stupa/