The 20th Japanese martial arts demonstration was held by the Embassy of Japan on Saturday at the Lao–Japan Budo Center in Vientiane Capital.
This year was the 20th Japanese martial arts (Budo) demonstration put on by the Japanese government in Laos. For the past two years, the event had to be canceled due to the effects of Covid-19. Mr. Kobayashi Kenichi, Ambassador of Japan, said that he hopes everyone will now be able to enjoy the Budo festival after its two year hiatus.
Practitioners of varying age and experience demonstrated their Budo skills and techniques in front of an audience. Next, in a trial session, audience members learned basic martial arts skills from expert instructors.
“I am very happy to see that the spirit of Budo is steadily being passed on to the Lao people, and that this has led to an increase in the number of people practicing Budo in Laos,” said Mr. Kenichi.
The students came from many different martial arts institutions including the Lao National Judo Federation, the Lao National Karate-do Federation, the Lao National Aikido Club, and the Lao Kendo Club.
The event was also attended by several dignitaries including Dr. Sourioudong Sundara, Vice Minister of Education and Sports, Mr. Phongsavath Boupha, Former Minister of the Presidential Office, Honorary President of the National Karatedo Federation Committee, Mr. Khenthong Nuanthasing, and the former President of the Lao-Japan Parliamentary Friendship Group.
Martial arts exchange between Japan and Laos date back to 1965. For more than half a century, Japanese martial artists have visited Laos to share the spirit of Budo with the Lao people. With the return of the Japanese martial arts demonstration, Laos can look forward to another 50 years of mutual Lao-Japanese cultural exchange.
