(Tokyo): The Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Japan, in collaboration with the Cambodia Festival Committee, officially launched the 9th Cambodia Festival on 3 May 2025 at Yoyogi Park in Tokyo.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Tuy Ry, Cambodian Ambassador to Japan; Hul Seila, Undersecretary of State for the Ministry of Tourism and Chairman of the Cambodia Festival Committee; Imamura Masahiro, former Chairman of the Japan-Cambodia Parliamentary Friendship League and Advisor to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet; and Miyaji Takuma, Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Also in attendance were representatives from Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training, various ASEAN embassies, Cambodian communities and student associations in Japan, Cambodian and Japanese private sector representatives, and over 50,000 local and international guests.

The Cambodia Festival aims to promote and showcase Khmer arts and culture, attract tourism and investment, and introduce Cambodian cuisine and products to Japanese and foreign visitors. The two-day event (3–4 May) coincides with Japan’s Golden Week, a major national holiday period.

During the opening ceremony, Miyaji Takuma underlined the close and fruitful relationship between Cambodia and Japan, Japan’s contributions to Cambodia’s peace and development, and the ongoing expansion of cooperation in all sectors under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Imamura Masahiro highlighted the tireless efforts of President of the Senate Samdech Techo Hun Sen in restoring peace and building a stable, growing Cambodia. He also noted Cambodia’s rapid development under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

Hul Seila spoke about Cambodia’s tourism potential, referring to the sector as “green gold” and positioning Cambodia as a safe and attractive global destination. He expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued cooperation and called for further support, particularly in advancing Cambodia-Japan tourism partnerships.

Ambassador Tuy Ry remarked on the ever-growing strength of Cambodia-Japan ties under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He acknowledged Japan’s crucial role in Cambodia’s post-conflict peace-building, national reconstruction, and socio-economic development since the 1990s. He also highlighted Cambodia’s ongoing progress under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, the country’s strong investment potential, and its favorable conditions for investors and the tourism industry.

The ambassador extended an invitation to the Khmer community, Japanese friends, and international guests to participate in and support the Cambodia Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, particularly on Cambodia National Day on 5 July 2025.

This year’s festival features over 80 booths showcasing Cambodian products, cuisine, tourism opportunities, investment potential, and cultural performances. Traditional and contemporary music and dance, along with displays of traditional costumes, were performed by artists from the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Khmer children in Japan, Cambodian student associations, and Japanese fans of Khmer culture.

Ambassador Tuy Ry expressed his deep gratitude to the Khmer community, Japanese friends, and all international visitors for their participation and support. He also thanked the organising committee, Cambodian and Japanese youth, children, students, volunteers, and performers whose efforts and dedication contributed to the success of the festival. He stressed the vital role of everyone involved in preserving and promoting authentic Khmer culture.
=FRESH NEWS