24 C
Vientiane
Friday, February 21, 2025
spot_img

Japan Festival Celebrates 70th Anniversary of Japan-Laos Diplomatic Relations

This Week

Thousands of locals, residents and visitors have been treated to the sights, sounds and tastes of Japan at the 2025 Japan Festival in Vientiane Capital on 14-15 February

The event is the biggest Japanese festival in Laos. It has been running once every two or three years since 2011. 

This long-awaited event returned to Vientiane this year with 3,500 visitors, celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Laos.

The Japan Festival in Laos kicked off with a warm welcome from Darany Phommavongsa, Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, and Koizumi Tsutomu, the Japanese Ambassador to Laos, along with diplomats, dignitaries, and the public. 

Ambassador Koizumi marked the 70th anniversary of Japan-Laos diplomatic relations, highlighting the strong ties in economic, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges. He expressed hope that the festival would help deepen the relationship between the two nations.  

The cultural program began with a lively concert, featuring a dance performance by the Reuanglao Dance Company, followed by the Shishimai (Japanese lion dance) by Takafuji Ukon. Ukon’s performance, which included a staged lion transformation. Japanese singer Krage also performed.

On the second day, the festival featured a variety of performances, including music, dance, and martial arts by local school students and JICA volunteers. Suzuki Mohri, a calligraphy artist, displayed their work “Friendship.” Highlights also included a sake and beer tasting, a quiz on Japanese tourist spots, a talk show by Tanu Vannasin, and a Cosplay show. The event concluded with the “Lao Bon Odori,” a special dance created by Ukon, with over 200 people dancing to celebrate the Japan-Laos friendship.

During the Festival, Japanese-related organizations exhibited booths and entertained visitors with various exhibits and cultural experience activities. The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Laos and Parkson Laos hosted a Japanese food and merchandise fair, bringing food, music and art together, providing visitors with dazzlingly delightful moments at the Japan Festival.

Latest article