In 1970, Tennoji Zoo became a symbol of international friendship when Osaka hosted the Expo. Hiroko, an Asian elephant gifted by the Indian government, was the zoo's icon until her death in 2018.

The warm sun glistening on the Mekong and Nam Kan rivers, fishermen in their sampans, birds chirping, a freshly made croissant with a mug of fresh-brewed coffee, and the smell of Laotian coffee beans ...