JICA Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers, relevant officials and executives pay a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone to mark the 60th anniversary of the first dispatch of Japanese volunteers to Laos.

People-to-people cooperation: Friendship between Japan and Laos built by JICA volunteers

On December 25, 1965, five young Japanese volunteers arrived in Vientiane, marking the beginning of a historic partnership.
Laos was the first country in the world to receive volunteers provided through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
In the six decades since, 1,110 volunteers have been dispatched to Laos.
In 2025, the JICA Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCVs) proudly celebrated the 60th anniversary of this dispatch.

JICA Laos Chief Representative, Ms Kobayashi Miyako.

Today, 47 JOCVs are serving across eight provinces as well as the capital Vientiane, working side by side with Lao citizens.
They share their knowledge and experiences in various fields such as agriculture, health, education and sports, culture, community development and more.
On October 16, a courtesy call to the Prime Minister and a ceremony marking the 60th anniversary took place in Vientiane. Since 2002, volunteers have received the honour of paying annual courtesy visits to the Prime Minister.
To commemorate this year’s milestone, Mr Onishi Norio, one of the original five volunteers dispatched in 1965, visited Laos for the first time in 58 years.
During his stay here, Mr Onishi visited the site of his original posting, the Salakham Rice Experiment Station, which is now the Plant Protection Centre, and participated in both the Prime Ministerial courtesy call and the 60th anniversary ceremony.
Here are some of Mr Onishi’s impressions of his visit to the site of his former assignment.
“Sixty years ago, the Salakham Rice Experiment Station was just a small hut-like building with only five members of staff.
“Seeing the many large buildings there today, I wondered if it was really the same place, but when I stepped into the rice fields across from the station, I immediately felt, ‘Yes, this was truly my post.’
“Back then, Lao people typically used the broadcasting method, sowing seeds directly into the paddy fields, but heavy rain often washed them away.
“I therefore began considering the introduction of the Japanese transplanting method.
“First, I requested small hand tractors, sickles and hoes to be sent from Japan. 
“When the equipment and machinery finally arrived after more than six months, I was overjoyed that we could at last begin full-scale rice planting in the Japanese way.
“Using those tools, I went barefoot into the paddies and planted the seedlings one by one, an experience that remains vivid in my memory.
“During my visit, the current Director, Mr Suriya Savanhdeuan, told me that farmers trust the techniques developed at Salakham.
“‘When people say seed, they think of Salakham’,” Mr Suriya told me.
“Hearing this made me deeply proud to have helped lay the foundations for the station.
“I was very moved to learn that Japanese-style rice cultivation techniques have spread throughout the country and that rice yields have soared to about 10 times higher than in those days.
“I believe the true significance of the JOCV programme lies in working closely with local communities and engaging with people at the same level.
“Speaking the same language as the community, sharing the same food, and laughing together are all part of this connection.
“These activities cannot succeed with a top-down attitude, nor can problems be solved simply by providing goods or materials.

The first group of JICA Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers to arrive in Laos.

“What truly matters is cooperation through people, and I believe that is the very essence of international cooperation.”
The JOCVs currently stationed in Laos suggested the theme “Tie, Connect, Weave” to mark the 60th anniversary of the first dispatch of JICA volunteers, as this brings to mind Laos’ beautiful traditional weavings.

Mr Onishi Norio (second left) and Lao officials pose for a group photo at the Salakham Rice Experiment Station.

On this 60th anniversary, the JICA Laos Office would like to express its heartfelt appreciation not only to all JOCVs who have contributed to the development of Laos, but also to the government and people of Laos for their warm acceptance, trust, and continuous support over the decades.
Together, we have walked hand in hand at the community level while building sincere, lasting people-to-people relationships.
The stories and efforts of each volunteer have woven a rich fabric of friendship and mutual trust between our two countries, just like the beautiful traditional textiles of Laos.
Looking ahead, JICA remains firmly committed to continuing its close cooperation with the government and people of Laos, through long-term investment in people built on trust through what we call “people-to-people cooperation”.

By Advertorial Desk
(Latest Update December 25, 2025)