Mr Kenichi Kobayashi poses a group photo with Lao officials during visit Laos-Japan Friendship Sakura Park in Huaphan province.

Japanese Embassy in Laos bolsters public interest through online news series

The Embassy of Japan to Laos last week posted another edition in its monthly series of news programmes titled ‘’Laos-Japan News’’, with the aim of promoting cultural exchanges between the two countries.
The programmes are aired on the Embassy’s Facebook page and feature updates on cultural events and cooperation in various fields between Laos and Japan.
Last week’s programme summarised the highlights of activities organised by the two countries in March.
These included the Japan-Laos Summit, a grant given by Japan to the Faculty of Engineering at the National University of Laos, a Japanese speech contest, a visiting by Japanese Ambassador Mr Kenichi Kobayashi for the provinces to promote friendship and cooperation, the return home of students in the exchange programme Asia Kakehashi, and a send-off party for students who received scholarships from the Japanese government through the MEXT scheme.
The programmes inform the public about the educational, cultural and other activities taking place between Laos and Japan, all with a view to strengthening friendship between the two countries. The series also features a quiz, so that people who watch the programmes can win prizes by correctly answering questions about the information contained.
In the latest edition of the series, a former PhD student, Mr Thongkhan Keokaenchan, gave an introduction to life in Japan named “Home Stay”, in which he described some of the country’s tourist attractions and his experiences while in Japan.
The programmes are broadcast in Lao with Japanese sub-titles.
The Embassy urges the general public to watch the programmes and gain a deeper understanding of the way in which Japan is assisting Laos and its citizens, and the benefits to be gained from close links with the country.

By Sisouphan Amphonephong
(Latest Update May 5, 2022)