Japan’s Princess Aiko, the sole child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, arrived in Laos for her first official visit on the night of November 17.

Upon arriving at her hotel in Vientiane, she greeted those welcoming her with a warm smile and received a traditional Laos dance performance in the lobby.

After a blessing dance performed by women in traditional dress, Princess Aiko bowed to those who gathered and placed hands together in the customary Lao greeting.

According to officials, she spent much of her flight reviewing materials in preparation for the visit. She described the welcome ceremony as “very memorable” and expressed her thanks in Lao – saying “khop chai” – to the deputy foreign minister who guided her.

On November 18, the princess is scheduled to visit That Luang Stupa, one of the country’s most iconic temples, pay a courtesy call on the president, and later deliver remarks at an official dinner.