Cocreating the Future of Chao Anouvong Stadium for a “Stadium for All”

Located in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, Chao Anouvong Stadium is a national stadium built in 1950. Long cherished by local residents, the facility has gradually deteriorated over the years, leading to the launch of a JICA-supported renovation project in 2025.

Personally this was my first experience working on a stadium development project as part of an international cooperation initiative. Even within JICA, sports related projects are relatively uncommon. Throughout the project, I found myself reflecting on questions such as: What are we hoping to achieve through the renovation of this stadium? What is needed to ensure that a place that has been loved for generations continues to serve and inspire future generations?

One of the most striking realizations during the project was that people in Laos do not view Chao Anouvong Stadium merely as a sports venue. Rather, they see it as a shared community space where people gather, relax, and connect.

To explore how the stadium could continue to evolve into a place cherished by future generations, we visited several stadiums in Japan together with officials from the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports (MOES). One particularly inspiring example was ASICS Satoyama Stadium in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. Surrounded by schools, public squares, and other community facilities, the stadium had become deeply integrated into local life and was accessible to everyone, including persons with disabilities, children, and older adults.

Many of the Lao officials remarked, “We would like Chao Anouvong Stadium to become a place like this in the future.” The visit reinforced my belief that a stadium is not simply a building. It is a place where people come together, interact, and build community.

In August 2026, we also organized an inclusive fashion show in collaboration with MOES.

In Laos, persons with disabilities still face significant barriers to social participation, and opportunities to appear as fashion models are rare. Organizing the event involved a great deal of trial and error, but it became possible thanks to the cooperation of designers, disability support centers, vocational training institutions, and many other partners.

The comments shared by participants were particularly memorable. One model with severe mobility impairments caused by cerebral palsy said:
“For twenty years, I lived a life of isolation. Today, I truly felt that I was shining.”

Another participant, a middle school student with autism and developmental disabilities, shared:
“I struggled to smile and lacked confidence. But when people applauded me on the runway, I was able to walk with a full smile for the first time.”

These experiences reinforced my belief that the stadium can be much more than simply a sports venue. It can also become spaces where people connect and thrive through music, culture, art, and other forms of expression.

One of the strongest lessons I have learned from this project is that a stadium's value is not determined when construction is completed. What matters is how the facility is used afterward and how it becomes embedded in people's lives.

Mr. Shuji HAYASHI of Azusa Sekkei, who oversees the renovation works, expressed that:
“After completion, we hope that the stadium will be used by diverse people, cared for by the community, and loved for generations to come.”

Similarly, Mr. Takahisa ARAI, a JICA long-term expert responsible for supporting the operational and management aspects of the stadium project, reflected on the inclusive fashion show:
“I was pleased to hear so many people say they were moved by the event. But ultimately, the ideal society is one in which seeing persons with disabilities walking the runway is no longer considered extraordinary, and no one feels the need to be moved by it.”

The Chao Anouvong Stadium reconstruction project is more than renovating a physical structure. It represents a process of co-creation among Japan and Laos, public and private sectors, and people from diverse backgrounds, all working together to advance international cooperation through sports and beyond.

I also personally hope that Chao Anouvong Stadium will become a lasting symbol of a place where everyone can gather, connect, and pursue new opportunities without barriers. More importantly, I hope it contributes to building a truly inclusive society in Laos, where everyone, regardless of disability, age, or gender, can participate, contribute, and thrive.