Cambodian showcase a hit in Japan

Cambodia Festival 2023 was held at the Yoyogi Park in Tokyo from May 3-4 to promote Cambodian culture. - CAMBODIAN EMBASSY IN TOKYO

PHNOM PENH (The Phnom Penh Post/Asia News Network): The Cambodian embassy in Japan recently organised a festival to showcase the country’s rich culture and promote it as a tourism destination.

The festival, which took place on May 3 and 4, was held at the Yoyogi Park in Tokyo and was attended by over 50,000 participants.

“Cambodia Festival 2023” featured an exhibition of art, cultural items, agricultural products, Khmer handicrafts, souvenirs, and books. The aim of the exhibition was to market the Kingdom and attract investors and tourists to Cambodia.

“This festival was organised to promote Khmer culture and traditions through traditional arts performances, tourism promotion, and product exhibitions,” he said.

“We are also excited to showcase Khmer cuisine to the Japanese and our other foreign friends. We want them to get to know Cambodia better, and encourage them to visit Cambodia, the Kingdom of Wonder,” he added.

The event was attended by several senior Japanese officials, including Masahiro Imamura, Member of Parliament and chairman of the Japan-Cambodia Parliamentary Alliance and Kei Takagi, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Chuon Dara, Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister and Secretary of State of the Cambodian Ministry of Commerce, as well as diplomats, businessmen, students and members of the Cambodian community in Japan were also present.

“The event featured a total of 81 booths exhibiting a diverse range of Cambodian and Japanese products. Attendees enjoyed an array of Cambodian dishes and products, as well as traditional Khmer dances, Cambodian-made scarves, fashion shows, and Khmer-Japanese concerts,” said a Cambodian embassy statement.

During the closing ceremony, ambassador Ry presented certificates of appreciation to the traditional dancers, and Cambodian and Japanese singers, who participated in the event and made it a success.

“The event also marked the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Japan,” he said.

“The two countries have a long-standing friendship that promotes cooperation and partnership, which was upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership this year,” he explained.

In addition to the festival, the Cambodian embassy also participated in The Asia-Pacific Festival and Charity Bazaar 2023, which was organised by The Asia-Pacific Ladies Friendship Society Inc. (ALFS), and involved 19 foreign embassies in Japan.

The event was presided over by Hanako, Princess Hitachi and held on May 10, at the Meiji Kinenkan Hall in Tokyo.

“The purpose of the charity bazaar was to raise funds to support and promote welfare, education, and natural disaster relief,” said the embassy.

“It also offered the participating countries to promote their products and services, and share their achievements,” it added.