The Japan-Cambodia Tanabata Festival 2024 opened with great fanfare on July 12 at the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC). 

The festival, set to run until July 14, promises to be a vibrant celebration of cultural exchange and friendship between Japan and Cambodia. 

The opening ceremony was graced by several dignitaries, including Hang Chuon Naron, Cambodian Minister of Education, Youth, and Sports, Japanese ambassador Ueno Atsushi and Pen Moni Makara, secretary of state for the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts.

Chuon Naron lauded the festival's role in fostering strong bilateral relations. 

“On behalf of the education ministry, I wish to express my appreciation for the Japan-Cambodia Tanabata Festival. This event plays a crucial role in promoting cultural and academic exchanges between Japanese and Cambodian people," he said.

Education minister Hang Chuon Naron addresses the opening ceremony of the festival. Hong Raksmey

"It has been the nexus for fostering cultural and educational exchanges between our two nations, strengthening our bonds and paving the way for nourishing our long-term relationship," he said, highlighting the festival's significance as the CJCC celebrates its 20th anniversary. 

He also reflected on the 70th anniversary of Cambodia-Japan diplomatic relations, emphasising the historic milestone of the comprehensive strategic partnership which was established in 2023.

Ambassador Atsushi opened the festival with a warm welcome.

He explained that the Tanabata Festival, or star festival, is a cherished Japanese tradition where people write their wishes on coloured paper strips and hang them on bamboo trees. 

"The aim of this festival is to introduce the Tanabata traditions to Cambodian people and build on the positive relationship between Japan and Cambodia," he said. 

Education minister Hang Chuon Naron (right), Japanese ambassador Ueno Atsushi and guests at the opening ceremony. Hong Raksmey

The festival, organized by the CJCC, the Japan Foundation’s Phnom Penh Liaison Office, and the embassy of Japan, features a diverse array of cultural activities. 

These include Kendama performances, the "Nodojiman" Japanese singing competition, an educational seminar and a cooking class. 

"We hope that this festival will provide you with the opportunity to enjoy many new experiences, learn about Japanese culture, and feel a closer connection to Japan," Atsushi added.

He said that for the past 20 years, the CJCC has served as a hub to connect our two countries, gradually expanding to become a nexus for business and cultural exchanges between Japan and Cambodia. 

He encouraged Cambodian people to continue visiting the centre and utilising its facilities, hoping it would remain a symbol of the close friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

A look at the outside of the opening ceremony on July 12. Hong Raksmey

Moni Makara echoed these sentiments, emphasising the festival as a symbol of strong cultural cooperation. 

"The Tanabata Festival is filled with exciting cultural activities and performances by artists from both Cambodia and Japan," she said.

She encouraged everyone, especially the young, to participate, enjoy, learn and forge new friendships. 

"This year's Tanabata Festival is a testament to our strong cultural cooperation," Makara stated, underscoring the growing relations and cooperation between the two nations, particularly among the youth.

Japanese artists perform at the opening ceremony of the Tanabata Festival. Hong Raksmey

As the Japan-Cambodia Tanabata Festival 2024 unfolds, it promises to be a vibrant showcase of cultural exchange, fostering deeper ties between the two nations. 

With a variety of engaging activities and performances, the festival is set to leave a lasting impression on all participants, paving the way for even greater achievements in the years to come.

The schedule for these exciting events can be found on the embassy of Japan’s website.