Phnom Penh: 10 July 2026 – The Embassy of Japan in Cambodia, in collaboration with the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC) and the Japan Foundation, Phnom Penh Liaison Office, officially launched the Tanabata Festival 2026 on Friday evening at the Angkor-Kizuna Hall, CJCC, celebrating the enduring friendship and cultural exchange between Japan and Cambodia.
Held from 10 to 12 July, the annual festival has served as a platform for promoting mutual understanding and people-to-people connections since it was first introduced in Cambodia in 2004. The three-day event brings together Japanese and Cambodian communities through a vibrant programme of traditional performances, cultural workshops, exhibitions, and interactive activities.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Dr HANG Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, together with H.E. Ueno Atsushi, Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Cambodia. Also in attendance were Ms PEN Moni Makara, Secretary of State and High Representative of Dr PHOEURNG Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts; representatives of the Cambodia-Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC) and the Japan Foundation Phnom Penh Liaison Office; members of the diplomatic corps; development partners; sponsors; performers; and guests.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Ueno Atsushi expressed his appreciation to sponsors, performers, volunteers, partner organisations, and everyone whose contributions made this year’s festival possible. He noted that the Tanabata Festival serves not only as a celebration of Japanese culture but also as a meaningful platform for promoting friendship and mutual understanding between the peoples of Japan and Cambodia.
“Tanabata, also known as the Star Festival, is celebrated annually on 7 July in Japan. During the festival, people write their wishes on colourful paper strips known as ‘tanzaku’ and hang them on bamboo branches, symbolising hopes for health, happiness, and future success,” the ambassador said.
Ambassador Ueno said that cultural exchanges continue to strengthen the growing relationship between Japan and Cambodia under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, emphasising that people-to-people connections build mutual trust and provide a strong foundation for deeper cooperation in the years ahead.
He also expressed his hope that “more Cambodians would have the opportunity to experience Japanese traditions and culture, concluding his remarks by wishing everyone good health, happiness, and a brighter future for the friendship between the two countries.”
In his remarks, Dr HANG Chuon Naron highlighted the importance of cultural exchange in strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between Cambodia and Japan. He noted that “the events such as the Tanabata Festival provide valuable opportunities for young people to learn about different cultures, foster creativity, and deepen the long-standing partnership between the two countries through education and people-to-people exchanges.”
Representing H.E. Dr PHOEURNG Sackona, Ms PEN Moni Makara, Secretary of State, attended the opening ceremony, reaffirming Cambodia’s support for cultural cooperation and exchanges that contribute to preserving cultural heritage while promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the Cambodian and Japanese people.
Throughout the festival, visitors can experience a wide range of Japanese cultural activities, performances, and interactive workshops. Among this year’s highlights are the Tanabata Anime Song & Street Dance Unit Special Stage, featuring a collaborative performance with Cambodia’s Tiny Toones, and the NODOJIMAN Japanese Song Contest 2026, one of the festival’s signature events.
Rooted in a centuries-old legend, Tanabata tells the story of Orihime, a weaving princess, and Hikoboshi, a cowherd, who are separated by the Milky Way and reunited only once each year on the seventh day of the seventh month. The festival continues to inspire people to express their aspirations through written wishes.
The event is supported by numerous corporate partners, including SATHAPANA Bank Plc., Air Cambodia Co., Ltd., AEON (Cambodia) Co., Ltd., AEON Specialized Bank (Cambodia) Plc., Branch of AEON Delight (Vietnam) Company Limited, Buddy’s Marketing JP Co., Ltd., Starts (Cambodia) Corporation, J Trust Royal Bank Plc., Active People’s Microfinance Institution Plc., Panasonic Cambodia, and Genki Sushi.
The Tanabata Festival 2026 continues through 12 July, offering visitors opportunities to enjoy Japanese cultural performances, traditional activities, exhibitions, workshops, and community events celebrating the enduring friendship between Japan and Cambodia.
Photo: Supplied & Chor Sokunthea
