Tokyo: The Embassy of the Lao PDR in Japan has announced a series of activities to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and Japan, which will be officially marked on March 5, 2025. The year-long celebrations will also highlight the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

According to Lao News Agency, H.E. Mrs. Phongsamouth Anlavan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao PDR to Japan, stated that the Embassy is working closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and other related agencies and organizations from both the public and private sectors to ensure the success of the celebratory events. The activities will tentatively consist of both new initiatives and existing annual events.

In January 2025, the milestone year of bilateral relations will commence with an official working visit by the Prime Minister of the Lao PDR to Japan. In collaboration with JICA, the Embassy will organize an exhibition at the JICA Global Plaza Ichigaya Office in Tokyo to promote Laos, featuring tourism information, photos about Laos-Japan bilateral relations, traditional Lao silk, handicraft products, and Lao food tastings.

February will feature a wooden puppet show performed by students from the Lao PDR in Ibaraki Prefecture, tentatively scheduled for February 16. In March, leaders from both countries are expected to exchange letters of congratulations, and a cultural promotion event showcasing Lao culture will be hosted by the Honorary Consulate of the Lao PDR in Kyoto and the Kansai-Laos Friendship Association.

April will see the opening ceremony of the Osaka EXPO 2025 in Osaka Prefecture, along with the celebration of the Lao New Year Festival (Pi Mai Lao 2568) at the Embassy in Japan. The Lao Festival 2025, featuring Lao art, products, food, and performances, is planned for Yoyogi Park in Tokyo at the end of May.

Throughout June and July, the Embassy will partner with Omiya Company for a ‘Kimono Show’ utilizing fabric from Laos, and they will organize trade and investment seminars between Laos and Japan with the cooperation of various parties, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ASEAN-Japan Centre. Additional activities with Japan-Laos local friendship associations are under discussion.

On July 9, the Embassy will participate in the opening ceremony of Lao Day in Osaka Prefecture during the Osaka EXPO 2025. In September, the Honorary Consulate of the Lao PDR in Kyoto will oversee the opening of a YMCA school in Laos. The year will conclude with activities in November and December celebrating both the 50th anniversary of Lao National Day and the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

In collaboration with Eole Inc., the Embassy will organize five to six promotional events throughout 2025, featuring presentations about the Lao PDR, its culture, and exhibitions of Lao products. Ms. Phongsamouth emphasized Japan’s significant role as a partner in Lao PDR’s development, noting Japan’s support since 1991 in infrastructure, health, and education sectors.