The band Oops at Music Day, Institut français du Laos.

Japan Foundation Asia Centre promotes cultural exchanges

Lao artists met with representatives of the Japan Foundation Asia Centre last week to promote exchanges between Laos and Japan in the field of art and culture.
The Lao artists who attended the meeting included the Deputy Head of the Academic Office at the National Institute of Fine Arts (NIFA), Mr Souliya Phoumivong, Mr Lattanakone Insisiengmay (Toh) of the Khaoniew Theater Group, film producer Mr Athidxay Boundaoheuang (Ding), a former member of the National Puppet Theater, Ms Vanhsy Soukchaleune, and art curator and film advisor, Ms Misouda Heaungsoukkhoun.
The new representative of Japan Foundation Asia Centre office, Mr Yosuke Kusakabe, joined the discussions along with the outgoing representative, Mr Hiroshi Uchida. Both sides spoke of their experiences in the area of art and culture.
Mr Uchida said he was going back to his hometown in Japan after completing his work to promote cultural exchange between the two countries.
“Since 2015, when I was assigned to be the representative in Laos, six years and eight months have passed. I greatly appreciate each of you for your sincere support and cooperation. Laos has got the rank of the best country for me,” he said.
“With the Covid-19 situation improving, face-to-face dinners have became possible and we took this opportunity to gather people from arts-related fields to plan cultural exchanges for the next year. We would like to receive advice and comments on the project and refer local needs,” he added.
Mr Kusakabe said he had arrived in Vientiane only on June 12, but he was already impressed by the warmth of the Lao people and the beauty of the country.
“I would like to contribute to promote friendship between Laos and Japan and implement our projects so that they are beneficial for both counties,” he said.
The Lao artists appreciated working with the Japan Foundation Asia Centre to enhance cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.

By Sisouphan Amphonephong
(Latest Update June 22, 2022)