Laos Welcomes Princess Aiko with Baci Soul-Binding Ritual

Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko, daughter of Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, is currently in Laos on an official visit. On November 18, she took part in a Baci ceremony ahead of a state banquet hosted by Laos Vice President Pany Yathotou.

Princess Aiko departed Haneda Airport for Laos on the morning of November 17 on a commercial flight. Her visit comes as Japan and Laos celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations. While she has previously traveled abroad twice for private visits, this is her first official overseas trip.

*Princess Aiko takes part in a Baci ceremony in Vientiane on the afternoon of November 18. (Pool photo)*

The Baci Ceremony

Formally known as Baci Sou Khuan, the ceremony is meant to "connect and strengthen the soul," according to Yoko Kikuchi, Vice President of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and a specialist in modern and contemporary Laotian history. In Laos, it is believed that the human body houses 32 souls. The Baci is traditionally performed at significant milestones in life to bind the soul to the body.

*Princess Aiko takes part in a Baci in Vientiane on the afternoon of November 18. (Pool photo)*

Prayers for Health and Well-Being

On the evening of the 18th, Princess Aiko wore a furisode kimono paired with Laos's traditional shoulder cloth, the pha biang, to participate in the ceremony. She joined officials from both countries around an altar decorated with marigolds and Laos's national flower, the plumeria.

As the priest offered prayers for her health and well-being, she held strings extending from the altar and clasped her hands in prayer alongside the attendees.

Later, the priest and Vice President Pany Yathotou tied a white string around Princess Aiko's left wrist. It is customary to speak words of prayer to the person as the string is tied. According to aides, the priests prayed for the success of Princess Aiko's public duties and activities.