Section VI: The 1970 Royal State Visit to Japan

Last updated:

From 11 to 15 August 1970, King Savang Vatthana and Queen Khamphouy undertook an official visit to Japan, hosted by the Government of Japan and coinciding with Expo '70 in Osaka.

Japanese government commemorative souvenir document for the 1970 Royal Visit of King Savang Vatthana and Queen Khamphouy to Japan

Family-held materials include a French-language commemorative folder issued by the Japanese government confirming the visit's dates and official status.

Photographs preserved by the family depict:

Arrival ceremonies:

King Savang Vatthana and Queen Khamphouy of Laos arriving in Japan during the August 1970 state visit

Processional visits:

King Savang Vatthana and Queen Khamphouy exiting a historic Japanese gate during the 1970 royal visit

Members of the Lao royal delegation visiting a historic Japanese temple during the August 1970 visit

Lao royal delegation visiting Mount Fuji during the 1970 state visit to Japan

Expo '70 events:

King and Queen of Laos riding the Shinkansen bullet train during the 1970 royal visit to Japan

Industrial and economic tours:

Industrial and economic facility visit to Sony Corporation during the 1970 Lao royal visit to Japan

Religious and ceremonial sites:

Cultural reception during the 1970 Lao royal visit to Japan

King Savang Vatthana and Queen Khamphouy accepting a gift during the Laos National Day ceremony in Japan, August 1970

Formal state banquets:

Official state banquet during the 1970 Lao royal visit to Japan