Chum Reap Suor​!

It is my great pleasure to extend my message to the Cambodian people on this special occasion of Japan’s Cultural Day. The Cultural Day is a Japanese public holiday to love peace and freedom, and to promote culture. November 3 was chosen because the Japanese Constitution was promulgated on this day in 1946 after WWII. Every year, His Majesty, the Emperor of Japan, grants the Order of Culture to individuals who have made outstanding contributions for cultural promotion, and many cultural events are held on the day.

Here, in Cambodia, three cultural events will be organized during this weekend. From November 5 to November 9, the Embassy of Japan will be organizing the Japanese Film Festival at AEON Mall, TK Avenue in Phnom Penh, and Platinum Cineplex in Siem Reap in cooperation with the Japan Foundation, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Hanuman films and its young volunteer team. Ten Japanese films have been selected for the screening, including animations, dramas, a documentary and a thriller.

On November 5 and 6 at Diamond Island, the Tanabata Festival will be held by the Association of Hiratsuka-city Tanabata Festival in cooperation with Phnom Penh City Hall. You can enjoy seeing traditional decorations for the Tanabata Festival (QiXior Star Festival) there. In addition, on November 6, Toyota Motor Corporation will organize a classical music concert titled “TOYOTA Classics 2016” at the Chaktomuk Theater.

Recently, Japanese companies have been getting more and more interested in Cambodia and the exchange of people between Japan and Cambodia has expanded, especially in business. It is expected that the direct flights between Tokyo/Narita and Phnom Penh inaugurated last September by ANA will promote further exchanges in broader areas, including culture and tourism.

I sincerely hope that these cultural events will provide excellent opportunities for you to understand the culture of Japan and beyond, and further strengthen the friendship between Japan and Cambodia.

We look forward to seeing you at these Japanese events!​