(KPL) The 20th Japanese Martial Arts (Budo) Demonstration was held by the Embassy of Japan on Jan 28, at the Lao–Japan Budo Centre in Vientiane.

Practitioners of varying ages and experience levels, affiliated with the Lao National Judo Federation, the Lao National Karatedo Federation, the Lao National Aikido Club and the Lao Kendo Club, made their presence felt as they demonstrated their well-practiced Budo skills and techniques in front of a large enthusiastic audience.

In the trial session, curious and courageous audience members learned basic skills in the martial arts from expert instructors.

“The first martial arts demonstration in Laos was held in 2005, and this year will be the 20th. Last year, the event had to be cancelled due to the effects of the COVID-19,” said Mr. Kobayashi Kenichi, Ambassador of Japan addressed the opening ceremony of the event.

“Today, after a two-year absence, we hope that you will be able to fully enjoy this grand occasion and Budo festival. Martial arts exchanges between Japan and Laos date back to 1965. Since then, for more than half a century, Japanese martial artists have visited Laos in various capacities to share the spirit of Budo with the Lao people. I am very happy to see that the spirit of Budo is steadily being passed on to the Lao people, and that this has led to an increase in the number of people practicing Budo in Laos,” said Ambassador Kobayashi Kenichi.

The event was also attended by dignitaries including Vice Minister of Education and Sports Sourioudong Sundara, Former Minister of the Presidential Office and Honorary President of the National Karatedo Federation Committee Phongsavath Boupha, former President of the Laos-Japan Parliamentary Friendship Group Khenthong Nuanthasing, and other honorable guests.

KPL