This headline is courtesy of the Beatrice Siviero of The Laotian Times
What a lovely way to start the day with a short story of a young Princess on her first state visit abroad.
The 23 year old Princess Aiko , of Japanese Royalty but not in line to the throne due to her gender status of being female , only males can ascend the throne at the moment, but there are moves afoot by Japanese women to change this, such is the affect of Global Influence.
Her visit coincides with the 70th Anniversary of Japan Laos diplomatic relations. Laos has recieved significant grants between 2019 and 2024 through Japan’s overseas development agency , JICA. I’m not sure what happened over the other years , perhaps they were concentrating on diplomacy.
As well as meeting Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith , Princess Aiko will visit a center to raise awareness about the unexploded ordnance left over from the Vientam War, which continues to kill and injure people in Laos. Laos has benefited from significant grants from Japan to aid Laos with ordnance clearing and rehabilitation programs in their Country.
Apparently the visit is an expression by Japan of “soft power ” , and the Princess will also attend a martial arts competition at the Japanese supported Budo Center and visit a Japanese language school. Actually I suspect the young Princess will make up her own mind on Laos and hopefully will build friendships and awareness of their near neighbour and be part of the Japanese goodwill mission across Southeast Asia.
I’m sad to see that the repercussions of War are still affecting the lives of local people in Laos even today, it is horrific that the many conflicts going on in the World today will have the same affect on land and local people in the Countries who are dragged into them through no fault of their own. Perhaps this is the main reason that Politicians should think before they act and that we should be aware of Jingoism and Political manoeuvring for financial gain.
The visit by Princess Aiko is important, and although not everyone agrees with Royal Status, her youth and the fact that she is seeing another culture and expressing friendship and understanding is heartwarming. I wish the young Princess well.
thenotsomightyom 