There are certain rites of passage for every young royal, and the first official overseas trip is undoubtedly one of them – so Princess Aiko of Japan must have felt a degree of trepidation when she set off for her debut solo state visit to Laos earlier this month. She needn't have worried, however: the 23-year-old daughter of Emperor Naruhito is touring Tokyo 's small beneficiary in South-East Asia on a largely symbolic visit, and has so far impressed with her maturity and clear sense of duty.

Princess Aiko is due to spend a week in country to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and Japan, during which time she has a jam-packed schedule – including a meeting with President Thongloun Sisoulith, a visit to a museum and watching a martial arts competition. Smilin

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