Japan-Laos Relations
Attendance of State Minister for Foreign Affairs KUNIMITSU at the Lao Fashion and Culture Festival in Tokyo
April 1, 2026
On March 31, Ms. KUNIMITSU Ayano, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, attended the "Lao Fashion and Culture Festival in Tokyo." The overview of the event is as follows:
- At the outset, H.E. Mr. Amphay KINDAVONG, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to Japan, stated that this festival was held to conclude the commemorative events for the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Laos last year. He also expressed his hope that today’s exchange would further deepen the bonds and friendship between the two countries.
- State Minister Kunimitsu welcomed the deepening of the bilateral relationship across a wide range of fields, including political and security, economy, and cultural exchange, under the "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership." Furthermore, she stated that it was highly significant that mutual understanding and trust between the peoples of both countries were further deepened through the visit to Laos by Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko in November last year.
- Remarks were also delivered by Ms. TSUCHIYA Shinako, Chairperson of the Japan-Laos Parliamentary Friendship Association. At the venue, videos introducing Lao tourist attractions and music were screened, and a fashion show featuring contemporary arrangements of traditional Lao textiles was presented.
- This festival was held as the second part following the fashion show held in Vientiane last September, as part of the commemorating events of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Japan-Laos diplomatic relations in 2025. It was implemented on the occasion of the visit to Japan by Lao government officials and young designers.