(KPL) Lao Ambassador to Japan, Mr. Amphay Kindavong, recently welcomed Mr. ONISHI Norio, one of the first JICA volunteers to serve in Laos in 1965, along with Mr. TAKAHATA Tsuneo, former head of the first JICA Representative Office in Laos, and Mr. KATO Tomoaki, former JICA volunteer and former chairman of JICA Volunteers.

The meeting was held as part of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and Japan, and the 60th anniversary of Japan’s volunteer dispatch to Laos—the first country to receive JICA volunteers.

Ambassador Amphay expressed deep gratitude, on behalf of the Lao government and people, for Japan’s invaluable support in Laos' socio-economic development, particularly the contributions of JICA volunteers in fields such as agriculture, education, health, and capacity-building.

Mr. ONISHI Norio shared his moving personal story of volunteering at the Rice Seed Center in Salakham, Vientiane Capital, from 1965–1968. Despite initial language and infrastructure challenges, he recalled the kindness of the Lao people and the lasting impact the experience had on his life. After Laos, he continued his service in other countries and helped recruit future JICA volunteers.

Mr. TAKAHATA Tsuneo also recounted his time volunteering in agricultural machinery in 1970 and later leading the JICA office in Laos in 1996. He praised the enduring friendship and cultural ties between the two nations.

Since 1965, 1,098 JICA volunteers have served in the Lao PDR. Currently, 41 continue their mission, upholding a legacy of cooperation rooted in friendship, knowledge-sharing, and mutual respect.

KPL