On May 23, 2026, Princess Aiko attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 Laos Festival, held at Yoyogi Park in Shibuya, Tokyo. Princess Aiko wore a green traditional Laotian costume that had been presented to her in advance by the Laotian side. Laos was the first country Princess Aiko visited on an official overseas trip, which took place in November last year.
Princess Aiko also took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony together with officials. The festival, held at the event plaza of Yoyogi Park, runs through May 24 and features Laotian food stalls, as well as performances of traditional dances and other stage events.
I love what she wears and how she looks - maybe for the first time quite unconditionally. I would not have thought that muted colours can be so nice on her. The pattern and colours of the shawl and the skirt are simply fabulous, so beautiful! Now that I see what Helen wrote, that the costume was a present from Laos, I understand my own surprise - colour, style, fitting, everything deviates from her usual Japanese outfits. How very pretty she looks!
ReplyDeleteDid you see her outfits during her visit to Laos? She looked fantastic every day. From memory in darker colours every day (cf her normal very pale outfits) and I think they suit her so well.
DeleteAgree with your comments. She looks very nice and pretty.
DeleteAgreed!
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Agree completely about not thinking muted colors would work, and yet they do. She's looks fantastic.
DeleteJust lovely. The outfit. the rapport with others and the general vibe is perfect.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that too! Her charming smile brings smiles to those around her. Lovely Princess Aiko! MR
DeletePrincess Aika looks beautiful in the traditional costume she was given. She is becoming a very elegant lady. I'm wondering if she is planning to grow her hair again? I liked the shorter style, but she may have other ideas. Maybe she just wants to have it long enough to wear up, which looks good too.
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is WOWEE !
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely exquisite fabric in gentle colors that are perfect for her. Have never seen her look better.
ReplyDeleteVery nice colouring for her, love the pearl necklace very delicate.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't she look smashing! My favorite outfit by far. The jacket, gorgeous, the shawl, lovely addition, colors set off well the background of her outfit. Her brooch placement is perfection. She looks so elegant.
ReplyDeleteThe colour suits her well. Glad to see she is wearing a shade of lipstick that brightens her face so nicely.
ReplyDeleteAiko is exquisite, and wears the lovely Laotian garments beautifully ♥️. Love these pictures! — Jane
ReplyDeleteShe is a beauty, and reminds me here of her grandmother, the former empress, Michiko.
ReplyDelete愛子様の上着は特徴のあるペプラムで、両脇のフリルをまるで日本の折り紙のように折ってありますね。
ReplyDeleteこの衣装は全体的に落ち着いた印象ですが、愛子様が着ると上品な美しさを感じます。
Very refined finishes. The origami fold detail is a touch of timeless elegance.
DeleteBeautiful outfit and the soft colors suit her so well. She’s a very lovely and charming young woman.
ReplyDeleteThese photos are a real surprise, absolutely delightful!
ReplyDeletePrincess Aiko is a delight in this Laotian outfit.
Qu’elle est ravissante dans cette tenue pleine de douceur ; j’adore ces photos où on remarque que son gracieux sourire se communique aux personnes qui l’entourent !
ReplyDeleteThe Laos cloths look very nice on her. You can see that she is growing in her role, and would be a great emperess. Unfortuneble it is not (yet) possible.
ReplyDeleteThat suits her so incredibly well. Lovely to look at, indeed. Also, it shows that she seems to like Laos.
ReplyDeleteThis post, pictures and comments have been a pleasure to read. The first photo of the princess is so gentle and quite lovely.
ReplyDeleteShe looks really beautiful. The style, colors, and her own confidence shining through. I will mention, though not relevant here that every time I look at her I see a future Empress, not someone who should have been skipped over. She carries it with dignity and she is a "chip off the old block," (in a good way!)
ReplyDeleteAwfull, she dresses like the queen mother of Cambodja Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, who is 66 years older then she is.
ReplyDelete13:06, don’t forget that looking at fashion here is also learning about other cultures. She is indeed wearing Laotian traditional dress and yes you’ll find women of all ages wearing the same. This is not awful, it’s normal. That’s what tradition means in fashion. Maybe not in your culture, … but also you’ll find in the Laotian culture deep respect for other people and it’s highly unlikely you’ll find someone daring to say your clothes are awful. Just as well, because it’s awful to hear from a stranger that they think you look awful.
DeleteOh I´m so sorry, I didn't know that we are only allowed to leave positive comments on this page, even if we don't mean it.
DeleteI am sure this a very important event for which she used a traditional outfit. Looks very appropriate to me (whilst I admit I don’t understand to any depth the significance of the event, she very likely has shown full consideration to tradition)
ReplyDeleteA good look for the Pss.
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What a beautiful pictures. Who would have guessed that muted gray color would be the best color ever for her.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty ensemble. Lovely smile. Christine
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