Lao Student Association at Hiroshima

I woke up early that morning, the excitement of the day ahead was palpable. I joined with six Lao students from Hiroshima University and we were preparing to attend the birthday party of a Lao man living in Akinakano, Hiroshima. He was celebrating his 77th birthday, and had moved to Japan with his wife many years ago, after the revolution in Laos. We were thrilled at the opportunity to meet him and his family and be a part of the celebration. We gathered around the breakfast table, chatting and laughing over a hearty meal and some black coffee, fueling ourselves for the day ahead. After breakfast, we set off for the train station, riding our bicycles to make the 30-minute journey from Jike Station to Akinakano Station. As we walked the remaining 20 minutes to the man's house, we took in the sights and sounds of the neighborhood. We snapped photos and videos, capturing the memories of this special day. We were all in high spirits, talking and laughing, and the time flew by. When we ...