Phnom Penh (FN), Feb. 14 – The Japan-Cambodia Kizuna Festival 2025 is being held from 13-16 February under the theme "The Harmony of Diversity" at the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC). The festival aims to promote Cambodian and Japanese culture while strengthening the friendship between the two nations.
The opening ceremony was attended by Thong Khon, Senior Minister in charge of Special Missions; Heng Sour, Minister of Labor and Vocational Training; Samedi Sivathana, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports; Ueno Atsushi, Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia; and other distinguished guests.
Pen Mony Makara, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, underlined that the Japan-Cambodia Kizuna Festival 2025 reflects the deep and long-standing friendship between Cambodia and Japan. He highlighted that this relationship is built on mutual respect, trust, and a shared appreciation for each other’s cultures. Over the years, these cultural ties have strengthened, fostering broader understanding and meaningful partnerships in various fields.
According to Japanese Ambassador Ueno Atsushi, the festival’s theme, "The Harmony of Diversity," embodies the beauty of cultural diversity and unity between Japan and Cambodia. He expressed his excitement about sharing this experience with participants.
"Cultural exchange plays a crucial role in connecting people, promoting understanding, and embracing diversity. It not only deepens mutual respect for traditions but also paves the way for cooperation in trade, tourism, education, and other sectors. By celebrating our cultural heritage together, we reinforce the bonds of friendship that unite our two nations," underscored Ambassador Ueno.
He further underlined that "The Harmony of Diversity" serves as a reminder of the beauty of differences and the strength of unity. The festival demonstrates the power of cultural exchange in fostering international friendship and cooperation.
Samedi Sivathana expressed gratitude to the organisers for their efforts in making this annual event a success. He noted that the Japan-Cambodia Kizuna Festival serves as a platform to celebrate the strong bonds of friendship and cultural exchange.
"Tonight, we embark on a new chapter—nurturing social connections, cherishing every moment, and embracing balance and unity in various aspects of life, from music and arts to society and personal well-being," he added.
He continued, "The Japan-Cambodia Kizuna Festival 2025 highlights the strength of diversity through positive intercultural exchanges. It significantly contributes to Cambodia’s economic development vision and reinforces our good friendship. Additionally, this event plays a vital role in deepening people-to-people ties between Japan and Cambodia, particularly in the fields of culture and education."
The four-day festival offers a wide range of activities, both entertaining and educational. Highlights include an award ceremony for the 2024 winners, presentations on leadership development programs in Japan, a "Diamond in the Stone" workshop, discussions on Japanese government scholarships, and an introduction to studying in Japan in 2025. Other key sessions focus on skill-building, university programs, and career-sharing opportunities for young people.
Additionally, the event features various cultural activities including workshops, lectures, and exhibitions on art, culture, and education. Attendees can participate in experiences like trying on a yukata (traditional Japanese attire), creating postcards from Oshibana (pressed flowers), practicing calligraphy, and engaging in discussions about Japanese scholarships. Other highlights include a Lolita fashion exhibition, dance performances, and a dramatization of the story "Angkot and Hanuman Destroy the Water Barrier of Kumbhaka."
Launched in 2012, the Kizuna Festival was established to promote cultural and educational exchanges between Japan and Cambodia. Since then, it has been held annually, attracting a large number of participants each year.
=FRESH NEWS
