(KPL) Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko of Japan visited Vientiane Secondary School on 19 November 2025, where she was welcomed by senior officials, teachers and students during her official trip to the Lao PDR.

The delegation was received by Mrs Dalavone Kittiphan, Deputy Minister of Education and Sports; Mrs Lipa-euy Libouapao, Head of the Vientiane Education and Sports Department; Mr Thongphan Oulaithone, Director of Vientiane Secondary School; and representatives from the Chanthabouly District Education and Sports Office.

During the visit, the school highlighted its long-standing cooperation with Japan. Mr Soukhanda Salinthavong, Deputy Director of the school, expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan, the Japanese Embassy and the Japan Foundation for their continued support of Japanese language education.

Vientiane Secondary School introduced Japanese language classes in 2015. Since 2016, it has hosted nine Japanese assistant teachers through the Nihongo Partners programme. Around 24% of students are now enrolled in Japanese language studies. The presence of native-speaking assistants has helped expand class offerings and made language learning more interactive across all classrooms.

The school also provides cultural exchange opportunities through activities featuring Japanese food, music and traditional clothing. An annual Language Week attracts strong interest in the Japanese programme, while students regularly take part in the Japanese speech contest organised by the Embassy of Japan.

Each year, two to three students receive scholarships to pursue further studies in Japan, and around ten students join educational study tours. School officials say Japanese language proficiency continues to open pathways for academic and career opportunities in Japan.

KPL