Prime Minister Hun Manet is scheduled to visit Japan from May 28 to 31. During his trip, he is expected to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who succeeded Fumio Kishida on October 1, 2024, following the Liberal Democratic Party's internal election. Manet will also participate in several high-level meetings and deliver a keynote speech at the Future of Asia conference — an annual international forum since 1995 that convenes government leaders, corporate executives and academics to discuss Asia’s role in an increasingly complex global landscape.

Japan has long been recognised for its generosity and unwavering support for Cambodia across various sectors. According to a recent regional survey conducted by the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI), Japan remains the most trusted partner among ASEAN member states. In Cambodia, Japan is widely admired, with its products — cars, electronics and daily-use goods — highly valued by consumers. The Japanese people are known among Cambodians for their humility, kindness and strong sense of responsibility.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, although many Chinese donors provided aid, some Cambodians mistakenly attributed those donations to Japanese individuals due to physical similarities. This anecdote illustrates the deep admiration Cambodian people hold for Japan, often associating acts of kindness with the Japanese character.

The Cambodian prime minister’s upcoming visit has generated considerable interest among both Cambodian and international observers. Many scholars, including those from the West, are keen to see how this visit may shape the future trajectory of Cambodia-Japan relations. So, what can realistically be expected from this important diplomatic mission?

Cambodia, having endured decades of conflict — including the devastating Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979 — emerged with virtually no infrastructure or institutions. The country's long and difficult recovery was largely shaped by former Prime Minister Hun Sen, who now serves as president of the Cambodian Senate. In contrast, Japan is a global economic and democratic powerhouse, built on a foundation of the rule of law and respect for human rights. The disparity in historical paths and national capacity between Cambodia and Japan must be acknowledged in diplomatic engagements.

Cambodia began its post-war reconstruction journey in 1979 with virtually no options; today, it operates with limited but expanding choices. Japan, on the other hand, is a mature democracy with a broad spectrum of development tools and resources. It is therefore crucial for both nations to approach bilateral discussions with a clear understanding of these contextual differences. Japan cannot apply a one-size-fits-all standard, nor should it judge Cambodia solely through a Western lens.

During his visit, Manet may wish to elevate the Strategic Partnership Agreement signed between Cambodia and Japan in 2013. Compared to Japan, China has been far more active in supporting Cambodia across multiple sectors. However, it is notable that under Hun Manet’s leadership in 2024, Cambodia has not taken on any new loans from China. Instead, new financial support has been secured from Japan, South Korea and France, signaling a shift in Cambodia’s external financing strategy.

It is unlikely, however, that Japan will announce any major new aid packages or loans during this visit. 

Japan currently faces numerous global financial commitments and may limit its assistance to symbolic diplomacy and high-level hospitality. Nevertheless, the visit represents a significant opportunity for Cambodia to enhance its international image, signal its foreign policy direction and build deeper trust with Japan.

To attract more Japanese investment, Cambodia must also address its internal challenges —particularly corruption, which continues to deter many potential investors. There is a problem when a country is willing to provide aid but hesitates to do business. Transparency, legal reforms and investor protections must be prioritised if Cambodia truly aims to strengthen economic ties with Japan and other advanced economies.

Foreign investors typically conduct extensive risk assessments before committing capital. Cambodia must demonstrate not only political stability but also a serious commitment to improving governance, strengthening the rule of law and fostering a business-friendly environment. These are not easy reforms, but they are necessary if the prime minister wants to differentiate his leadership from the past and position Cambodia as an attractive destination for foreign investment.

Ultimately, the visit to Japan is a valuable diplomatic milestone. It offers Cambodia a chance to showcase its leadership, capacity and vision for international cooperation. It would be unfair to judge Manet solely by comparison to his father. While Hun Sen was deeply committed to Cambodia-Japan relations — famously trusting only Japanese doctors to treat his eye condition — Manet has shown his own determination to modernise the country and build new partnerships based on mutual respect.

Japan should recognize the goodwill and admiration it holds among Cambodians and consider engaging with Cambodia as a sovereign partner, not through the lens of China or any other regional competitor. Sincere and honest dialogue must prevail between the two governments, especially when difficult issues arise.

As the saying goes, “Honesty is the best policy.” Cambodia and Japan must continue to foster open, candid, and forward-looking discussions to build a resilient and mutually beneficial partnership for the decades to come.

Dr. Seun Sam is a policy analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own.