The Japanese dance troupe Manjushaka amazed audiences in Phnom Penh on December 12-14

at the Chenla Theater with a display of traditional and contemporary Japanese dance.

The theater attracted hundreds of people during the show's three-day run in the capital.

The Manjushaka troupe, named after a legendary white flower that grows in the heavens,

is meant to transport audiences to this mythical place. Many of the dances depict

traditional Japanese legends with cultural influences from countries the troupe has

visited throughout Asia, as well as Russia.

The cultural performance celebrated the tenth anniversary of a Japanese NGO, Association

School Aid in Cambodia, founded by Mariko Okamura.

"The troupe was so excited to be here and see the happy Cambodian faces when

they performed," she said.

Before arriving in Cambodia the troupe performed in seven countries for about 115,000

people, brochures stated. The dancers held a performance in Kampot and Kampong Cham

on December 15-17 and are scheduled to appear in Siem Reap on December 19 and 21.