On the afternoon of October 18, 2026, at Aeon Mall Mean Chey in Phnom Penh capital, His Excellency Heng Sour, Minister of the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training, presided over the 18th "Bon Odori" Japanese traditional festival in Cambodia. The event was organized under the first cooperation between the Japan Alumni of Cambodia (JAC) and the Japan Association of Cambodia (JACAM), and was attended by His Excellency ISHIZUKI Hideo, Ambassador of Japan to Cambodia, along with many senior officials and alumni.
In his capacity as former president of the JAC Association, His Excellency the Minister expressed his pleasure and thanked the Japanese Embassy, JETRO, and all relevant partners that had supported the program. His Excellency stressed that this festival is not only an opportunity to warmly commemorate and show gratitude to the Japanese government and people, who have provided educational opportunities to Cambodian students, but also serves as a strong cultural bridge connecting people to people, which forms the foundation of the strategic partnership between the two countries.
In addition, His Excellency noted that this festival is a great opportunity for the Japanese community in Cambodia to recall their national traditions, as well as to provide an opportunity for the Cambodian people to learn about and directly experience Japan's popular summer culture.
In response, His Excellency the Japanese Ambassador and Mr. Tezuka Koji, President of JACAM, expressed a warm welcome and expressed strong hope that this cultural event will continue to tighten the bonds of solidarity and Cambodia-Japan friendship even further. By: Pai Sokhim
