The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, in collaboration with the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Japan, the ESEA (East and Southeast Asia) Working Group, the Cambodia-Japan Friendship Association, and the Khmer Student Association in Nagoya, hosted a vibrant “Khmer New Year in Japan” celebration at Garden Pier Park in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, on April 13.
The event was co-chaired by Hang Tola, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, and Tuy Ry, Ambassador of Cambodia to Japan. Joining the celebration as guest of honour was Nagoya Mayor Hirosawa Ichiro, alongside Tanabe Yuichi, Vice President of the Nagoya City Council, and Ohtani Kansuke, former member of the Hyogo Prefectural Assembly.
Congratulatory messages were delivered by several prominent Japanese leaders, including Katayama Satsuki, Member of the House of Councillors and former Minister in charge of Special Missions, and Nakano Hiromasa, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and Member of the House of Representatives.
The celebration drew nearly 10,000 attendees, including Cambodian expatriates, students, workers, and trainees. The event was filled with music, traditional dance, and cultural displays, creating a joyful and nostalgic atmosphere for those far from home.
During his address, Hang Tola conveyed heartfelt New Year greetings on behalf of Prime Minister Hun Manet and senior Cambodian officials. He highlighted the Prime Minister’s strong encouragement to host similar events in other countries where Cambodian workers reside, to strengthen unity and preserve cultural traditions among the diaspora.
Ambassador Tuy Ry echoed these sentiments, extending warm wishes from the leadership of Cambodia, including Senate President Hun Sen, Prime Minister Hun Manet, and Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn.
The celebration was a testament to the enduring spirit of Khmer heritage. Participants shared their joy at being able to mark the occasion together, expressing a deep sense of pride and community. Many voiced strong support for continuing this tradition, underscoring the importance of maintaining cultural connections abroad.
