The Tanabata Festival 2019 ceremony included a remark by Ambassador of Japan and representative of the Royal Government of Cambodia, as well as Japanese and Cambodian cultural performance.

Tanabata is a Japanese traditional event celebrated every year on 7 July in Japan to recall a story of a couple lovers in the heaven weaver princess and cowboy. Based on Tanabata’s story, the two lovers are separated by the Amanogawa River and allowed to meet once a year on 7th July. On the day, Japanese people write their wishes and hang on the bamboo tree to have their wishes granted.

This year’s festival will include more workshops and orientation such as related to animation and cosplay, short films competition and exchange program of JENESYS, Japanese movie show, cooking class, papers-related sessions “Origami” (Folding Papers), “Kirigami” (Cutting papers), and “Syo-do” (calligraphy), trial of traditional wear “Kben” and “Yukata”, trial of Japanese sport wear and challenge with “Kendo” and “Iaido”, and session for Khmer Archery as well as various exhibitions. The pamphlet with detailed program of the festival is attached herewith.

Another feature of the festival is eco-saving. From this festival goes on, three co-organizers will pay more attention to proper treatment and reduction of garbage, especially plastic garbage. During the event, we will encourage participants to throw garbage into proper trash bin separately as well as to reduce garbage by using reusable items like reusable bottle or eco-bag. Those efforts will include CJCC volunteer’s call, workshops and booth vender’s cooperation such as discount for reusable bottle users or not providing plastic bags or plastic straws.

Photo: Supplied