Lao Ambassador to Japan Visits TUFS, Deepens Exchange Through Talk Show

December 1, 2025

On Monday, November 24, 2025, during the TUFS GAIGOSAI Festival, His Excellency Mr. Amphay Kindavong, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to Japan, visited TUFS accompanied by his wife, Madame Phimpha Kindavong, and former Japanese Ambassador to Laos Junko Yokota. A talk event and a courtesy visit to the university president took place, deepening cultural and educational exchange between Japan and Laos.

Talk Show: “All About Laos Talk: Culture, Food, and National Affairs”

This event, organized by the TUFS Lao Language Seminar and volunteers as part of multicultural coexistence activities, aimed to express gratitude to the Lao people, deepen knowledge of Lao language and culture, and foster mutual understanding between Japan and Laos. Ambassador Amphay, former Ambassador Yokota, and Mr. Norihiko Yamada (Institute of Developing Economies, Japan), a part-time lecturer at our university, were welcomed as speakers. They introduced the charms of Laos using visual materials. The venue was packed to standing room only, creating an event filled with the participants' enthusiasm. It provided a valuable opportunity to learn about Laotian culture, cuisine, and social conditions, deepening participants' interest and knowledge.

Courtesy Visit to the President

Following the talk event, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to TUFS President Nobuo Haruna. Ambassador Amphay Kindavong and former Ambassador Yokota expressed their appreciation for the university's multilingual education initiatives, particularly expressing their hopes for the further development and continuation of rare languages taught as majors at TUFS. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Laos, a significant milestone. Active discussions were held regarding deepening the friendly relations between the two countries going forward.