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Princess Aiko Returns From First Official Overseas Trip, Concluding Laos Visit Marking 70 Years of Ties

Her six-day itinerary showcased cultural diplomacy alongside humanitarian outreach.

Overview

  • The 23-year-old paid a courtesy call on President Thongloun Sisoulith and conveyed a message from Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.
  • In Vientiane she visited the Patuxai monument, viewed a silk exhibition, tried weaving on a traditional loom, and met Japanese nationals including JICA personnel.
  • She made a day trip by special train to Luang Prabang, changed into traditional Laotian attire, and toured the National Museum and Wat Xieng Thong before visiting Tat Kuangsi waterfall.
  • The program included a visit to an unexploded-ordnance education center highlighting Laos’s Vietnam War legacy as well as a children’s hospital supported by Japanese aid.
  • Returning to Narita on Saturday, she thanked hosts for their warm hospitality and expressed hopes the visit would deepen Japan–Laos exchanges.