In commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Japan-Laos diplomatic relations and the 60th anniversary of JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers in Laos in 2025, the Lao government presented an award to Japanese officials at the Lao Embassy in Japan on March 24, 2026, with JICA President Tanaka in attendance.
JICA was awarded the Development Medal First Class by a proclamation of Prime Minister Sornsai Siphandong for its contribution to the development of Laos and the building of friendly relations between the two countries through its long years of cooperation with Laos. Norio Onishi and Setsuko Takeshita, the first Overseas Cooperation Volunteers, were also awarded the Cross of Friendship.
Chairman Akihiko Tanaka (left) receives an award from Ambassador Ampai (right), Lao Ambassador to Japan
Certificate and medal awarded to JICA
World’s First Cooperation Volunteer! Start of Japanese Cooperation in Laos
After the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Laos in 1955, the world’s first JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers were dispatched to Laos in December 1965. Norio Onishi and Setsuko Takeshita, who were awarded the Cross of Friendship, were the first members of the JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers and laid the foundation for the friendly relations between the two countries. Some of the members of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) have been featured on postage stamps of the countries to which they were sent, and a postage stamp of one of the JOCV members was issued in Laos.
Norio Onishi (first Overseas Cooperation Volunteer) receiving his award.
First Overseas Cooperation Volunteers departing for Laos
60 Years of Cooperation with Laos
In the 1960s, technical cooperation in the agricultural sector, mainly in the Tagong area, the Nam Ngum hydroelectric power plant, and the construction of the Khao Rio water purification plant were also initiated. Later, by the 1990s, cooperation was expanded to include the construction of Wattay Airport, national roads and bridges, waterworks, and legal development, which became the foundation of people’s lives and society. In the 2000s, cooperation began in a wider range of areas, including the development of civilian human resources, strengthening of health and medical services, improvement of the educational environment, countermeasures against unexploded ordnance, and forest conservation.
At the award ceremony, Ambassador Ampai expressed the Lao government’s appreciation for the wide range of contributions made by JICA and Japanese officials in Laos. JICA will continue to cooperate with the Lao government to build trust between Japan and Laos and enhance Japan’s presence.
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