A group photo of participants in the special Landscape Management class at the Lao-Japan Institute, National University of Laos, taken in Vientiane on June 20.

(KPL)The National University of Laos (NUOL), in collaboration with Lao-Japan Institute (LJI), is hosting a 14-day special class on Landscape Management, Japanese Culture, and Japanese Language for Architecture and Agriculture students of the national university.

Jointly organized with Takeuchi Teien, a leading Japanese landscaping company, and the Association for Overseas Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Partnerships (AOTS) of Japan, the programme aims to enhance students' knowledge of landscaping design and environmental planning, while also preparing them for future career opportunities with Japanese firms, either in Laos or Japan.

The course began with a series of intensive lectures conducted by Mr. Noriyuki Takeuchi, Founder and CEO of Takeuchi Teien.

 Mr. Masami Kobayashi

Mr. Takeuchi shared his rich experience in Japanese garden design, covering topics such as garden planning, construction, plant arrangement, and natural landscape management. Students also gained hands-on experience by applying their knowledge to landscape design projects in the gardens of NUOL’s Faculty of Architecture and the Lao-Japan Institute.

Additionally, a two-day lecture is being delivered by Mr. Masami Kobayashi, former Dean of the Faculty of Architecture at Meiji University and CEO of ARCHI-MEDIA Architects and Associates.

Mr. Kobayashi introduced students to the concept of urban green spaces in the context of modern environmental challenges. Drawing on global case studies—including parks in New York, Boston, Osaka, and Kakamigahara—students are conducting practical simulations to design urban parks based on space, volume, and layout.

The remaining nine days of the program are dedicated to Japanese language and cultural studies, conducted by LJI and AOTS. These sessions are designed to prepare students for internships or employment with Japanese landscape companies by equipping them with basic communication skills and cultural understanding.

 Mr. Noriyuki Takeuchi

Final-year students who complete the full course will be considered for internships with Lao Takeuchi Landscaping Sole Co., Ltd., either in Laos or Japan. Mr. Takeuchi, who established the Lao-based company, said his goal is not only to provide premium landscaping services but also to support human resource development in the Lao PDR by sharing Japanese techniques in garden design, maintenance, and construction.

“This programme bridges Lao talent and Japanese expertise, supporting mutual economic growth. As Japan faces labour shortages and Laos continues to grow, these exchanges are essential,” said Mr. Takeuchi.

“The course reflects the strong and evolving partnership between Laos and Japan and encourages young Lao professionals to embrace international standards in sustainable urban and landscape development. Organizers also called on private companies to support such initiatives to strengthen future workforce readiness,” said Mr Soukanh Chitthipanya, Dean of Faculty of Architecture, National University of Laos.

 Mr. Anulak Boumanivong

"I had the opportunity to join this class, which allowed me to learn about designing urban parks based on space, volume, and layout. This is new knowledge that I can apply to my studies and future work," said Mr. Anulak Boumanivong, a fourth-year student at the Faculty of Architecture, majoring in Urban Planning.

Ms. Thepthida Manising

"Participating in this training programme has provided me with a lot of new knowledge, such as garden creation and space management in the Japanese style. Moreover, I can also apply what I've learned to my thesis project," said Ms. Thepthida Manising, a fifth-year student at the Faculty of Architecture.

KPL