Cambodia-Japan Friendship Deepens Through Tanabata Festival Cultural Exchange

The Tanabata Festival, also known as the Festival of Stars, was held for three days from July 10 to 12, 2026, organized by the Embassy of Japan in Cambodia and the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC), attracting a large number of visitors. The event was attended by H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, Mr. Kenso Nagashi, Chargé d'Affaires and Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan in Cambodia, officials from the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, and numerous distinguished guests, both national and international. On this occasion, H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister, expressed his profound appreciation and gratitude to the Embassy of Japan, the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC), and the Japan Foundation Phnom Penh Office for their diligent efforts in organizing this important annual festival. He stated that the festival serves as a valuable platform for promoting cultural and educational exchanges and people-to-people interaction, especially by providing opportunities for the youth of both countries to learn about traditions and build a friendship based on solidarity. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron emphasized that Cambodia and Japan share a long and historical friendship and cooperation, which has been further strengthened through their comprehensive strategic partnership. He further noted that the friendship between the two peoples is not only manifested through official agreements or institutional cooperation but also stems from mutual interaction, understanding, and close people-to-people connections, particularly among the younger generation who will inherit and nurture this friendship in the future. In this regard, H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron expressed his belief that this annual Tanabata Festival will continue to serve as a vibrant bridge for cultural exchange, creating positive impacts, deepening mutual understanding, and acting as a driving force in fostering a spirit of solidarity and partnership among the youth of both nations, working together towards achieving new accomplishments for sustainable development and shared prosperity. Concurrently, Mr. Kenso Nagashi, Chargé d'Affaires and Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan in Cambodia, stated that the 14th Nodojiman singing contest is not only a platform for showcasing the ability to sing Japanese songs but also a means to encourage young people to study the Japanese language and strengthen cultural exchange between Cambodia and Japan. He informed that a total of 57 groups applied to participate this year, and after the preliminary selection, the committee chose 14 groups, equivalent to 16 individuals, to compete in the finals. Mr. Nagashi observed that the level of competence among this year's candidates was outstanding and noteworthy, making him eagerly anticipate listening to the performances of each contestant. Mr. Kenso Nagashi also extended his thanks to the partner institutions and all stakeholders who contributed to the successful execution of this contest.