Education minister Hang Chuon Naron addresses the CJCC’s 20th anniversary on February 20. Hong Raksmey
The “Japan-Cambodia Kizuna Festival 2024” cultural event was launched at the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC) on February 22. The theme for this year’s three-day celebrations was “Memories for Our New Chapters”.
This year’s festival marks the 20th anniversary of the CJCC, a symbol of the robust friendship and cooperation between Japan and Cambodia, said organisers.
Minister of Education, Youth, and Sport Hang Chuon Naron presided over the opening ceremony, and took the opportunity to highlight the festival’s role in promoting cultural and educational exchanges between the two nations.
“I believe that this year’s festival holds special significance as we mark the 20th anniversary of the CJCC,” he said.
“Two decades of unwavering friendship and collaboration between our both countries have yielded countless beautiful memories, laying a solid foundation for our future endeavours,” he added.
Chuon Naron explained that this year’s theme “Memories for Our New Chapters” serves as a reminder of the importance of valuing the past, while also looking forward to embracing future opportunities.
He acknowledged the role of the CJCC in facilitating cultural and educational exchanges, strengthening the bonds between the two nations.
The minister also his expressed gratitude for the elevation of the relationship to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” in 2023.
Taninai Ichitomo, deputy chief of mission at the Embassy of Japan in Cambodia, reminisced about the establishment of the CJCC in 2004 and its evolving role as a bridge for people-to-people and business-cultural exchanges between Japan and Cambodia.
“Through those events, we fostered mutual understanding and, as a result, the relationship between our two countries has become closer than ever,” he said.
“Former Prime Minister Hun Sen attended the inauguration ceremony in 2004, and expressed his hopes for the development of the centre,” he added.
He shared that from 23 to 25 of February, the centre would be bustling with an array of cultural activities, including a cosplay event, an Awa Odori dance workshop, sessions providing information on scholarships, as well as calligraphy and sushi-making workshops, among others.
Pen Moni Makara, secretary of state of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, hailed the festival as a reflection of the strong bonds between Cambodia and Japan.
She recounted how decades of diplomatic relations have been enriched by cooperation and partnership, with Japan playing a key role in Cambodia’s development.
“Our seven decades of diplomatic relations have flourished over the years,” she said.
She described how Japan has provided vital assistance in various sectors, particularly regarding culture.
“The friendship between us is exemplified by Japan’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region, and Cambodia’s gratitude for Japan’s continued support,” she said.
Makara believed that celebrating shared traditions and heritage deepens mutual understanding and opens avenues for collaboration in trade, tourism, and education.
Chuon Naron encouraged the attendees to take full advantage of the festival’s varied offerings, as well as forge enduring relationships.
He expressed his hopes that the event would motivate people to begin new collaborations which would benefit both communities.
