Laotian spirit sweeps Yoyogi

Yoyogi Park’s cultural festival schedule picks up the pace this weekend with Laos Festival 2010, embodying the swift spirit of the Mekong River right here in Tokyo. Tokyo International High School and The Laos Embassy in Tokyo are the main organisers, and they have prepared a two-day oasis of Southeast Asian entertainment and cuisine, all supported by information on sustainable partnerships between Japan and Laos.

The opening ceremony

This year’s festival is held to commemorate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and Japan. To celebrate, Prince Akishino and Lao Prime Minister Bouasone will be attending the opening ceremony (10.30am Sat).

A taste of Laos

Foodies in attendance: you won’t be disappointed. Eating and drinking is a pleasant priority at Laos Festival, and visitors can choose from a popular selection of dishes with all the flavours to be found. Over 25 booths serving food and drink will be available to satisfy your craving for the hearty tastes of Laos.

Sandwiched between Thailand and Vietnam and bordering Myanmar, China and Cambodia, Laos’s history is richly complex and best savoured when you can take a bite out of the culture. Because of its location, Laos offers the perfect East-West fusion, with influences ranging from haute French fare to street food that is grilled, boiled, stewed and popular in salads.

This weekend, brave the lines and try staple dishes like sticky rice and larb, a spicy mixture of marinated meat or sometimes raw fish that are served with various herbs, greens and spices. Grilled ping dishes are an example of a popular cooking method, and are not to be missed. The ping gai (grilled chicken) ping sin (grilled meat) and ping pa (grilled fish) served with a generous amount of greens and downed with ice cold Lao beer will satisfy your cravings.

The treasures of Laos

For a flea market weekend, the Laos festival will have lots of shops on hand where you can not only pick up silks and textiles, but also find more information on traditional Laotian arts and crafts. Dozens of booths, such as the World Bazaar, will offer a unique chance to pick up Laotian products from food ingredients to pieces of art.

Laos on stage

This weekend’s line up is showcase of Japanese artists with an affinity for Southeast Asia – especially Laos – some of whom have worked with NGOs to promote health and education in Laos, and want to share their awareness and outreach work with others.

The performances hitting the main stage offer a mix of traditional Laotian dance, instrumental and vocal performances as well as band ensembles. Laotian performers include the dance stylings of Ardsana (12noon Sat and 10.30am/1.40pm Sun). In addition, check out the Laotian vocalist Alexandra (2pm/4.40pm Sat) and the band Cells (6.30 Sat, and 4.10pm/appearing with Ardsana at 1.40 on Sun).

Social awareness and Laos

The festival also serves as an important platform for several organisations to help spread awareness of Laos and the various social projects in which it participates. The Laos Embassy in Tokyo will have information booths, in addition to tourism information organisations and travel companies such as HIS Travel who will be on hand to answer questions about getting to Laos, places to stay and things to do.

If you’re looking to get more involved with NGOs and NPOs, there will be plenty present. One particular project that will be appearing is the Laos gakko tskuroo (Let’s Build a Laotian School) project, which is actively seeking volunteers. If you’re interested, be sure to stop by their booth and pick up some brochures.

As with most of the Yoyogi Park festivals, expect a crowd in its rather limited festival space. If you’re looking to enjoy the festival but retreat to a bit of peace, don’t forget your plastic picnic sheet – then you can hit up the park proper and stretch out with a nice Laotian picnic and enjoy the day.

Laos Festival 2010

Date: Sat May 22-Sun May 23

Time: 10am-7pm

Location: Yoyogi Park (Full details & map)

Admission: Free

Website: laos-festival.info/

(Photography) Laos Festival 2010