Phnom Penh, July 5, 2024 – The Embassy of Japan, in partnership with the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC) and the Japan Foundation, Phnom Penh Liaison Office, is set to host the Tanabata Festival 2024 from July 12 to July 14 at the CJCC. This event, celebrated annually since 2004, aims to foster cultural exchange between Japan and Cambodia.
The festival will kick off with an opening ceremony on Friday, July 12, from 18:00 to 19:30 at the Angkor-Kizuna Hall, CJCC, with doors opening at 17:30. The ceremony will feature remarks by the Ambassador of Japan to Cambodia and a representative from the Royal Government of Cambodia, alongside cultural performances from both Japanese and Cambodian artists.
Event Highlights Include:
Kendama Performance: July 13, from 14:00 to 15:00.
TANABATA Music Concert "Prayers to the Stars": July 13, from 15:30 to 17:00.
Lkhon Boran Poul Srery Performance of "Lin Thong" by Lkhon Boran Wat Kien Svay Krao Troupe: July 13, from 18:00 to 19:30.
"NODOJIMAN" Japanese Song Contest in 2024: July 14, from 15:00 to 17:30.
In addition to these main events, the festival will offer various cultural workshops and performances, enhancing participants' understanding of both Japanese and Cambodian traditions. One key feature of Tanabata is the practice of writing wishes on colored strips of paper and tying them to a bamboo tree, a tradition that festival attendees will be able to experience.
The festival is supported by a number of sponsors, including gold sponsors like Sathapana Bank and SHAKARIKI 432, among others. Panasonic Cambodia and ROHTO-MENTHOLATUM (CAMBODIA) are the silver sponsors, while J Trust Royal Bank and Active People's Microfinance Institution are bronze sponsors.
Tanabata, also known as the Star Festival, is rooted in a poignant Japanese legend about two celestial lovers, Orihime and Hikoboshi, who are separated by the Milky Way and permitted to meet just once a year on July 7. This festival is a vibrant testament to their story, and it invites people from across Cambodia to share in its celebration.
For media inquiries, please contact the Culture and Information Section at 023 217 161 (Ext: 1121) or email: info.jpn@pp.mofa.go.jp.
