~ Creating new communication channels with Cambodia’s young generation through Japanese otaku culture, traditional arts, and pop culture ~
To celebrate the 70th anniversary of Japan-Cambodia diplomatic relations and deepen cultural exchange with Cambodia’s younger generation, “KAWAII-CON Cambodia 2023” (hereafter referred to as “KAWAII-CON”) was held from November 10 to November 12 in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh.
Over the course of the three-day event, artists from both Cambodia and Japan performed a variety of entertainment, including anime songs, dance, and cosplay fashion shows, thrilling the audience. The event recorded 7,000 attendees in its inaugural year and concluded with great success, leaving a legacy of cultural exchange between Cambodia and Japan, full of smiles, memories, and vibrant energy.
[Special Event Website] https://khmerfes-kawaii.com/
This year’s first-ever “KAWAII-CON” was a special event with the theme of “Strengthening the Japan-Cambodia friendship and providing business opportunities.” It brought together a wide variety of genres, including anime, manga, music, fashion, and food, all under one roof.
Yan Fan, one of the event organizers, expressed deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to the event’s success, including VIPs, sponsors, partners, volunteers, and attendees. Special thanks were also extended to Ek Anusa, a talented Cambodian architect and graduate of Raffles International University, who designed the KAWAII-CON venue. Anusa, after completing a six-month internship at the Kengo Kuma & Associates architecture firm, is scheduled to become the first Cambodian architect to join their Tokyo office in 2024.
KAWAII-CON was supported by 37 sponsors, including GROOVE Co., Ltd., NISSIN FOODS (CAMBODIA) CO., LTD, Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh, LA VISTA ONE, E-BOX, Replinet Cambodia, Startec Dynamic (Cambodia) Co., Ltd., Social Compass, Picasso City Garden, 85°C Bakery Cafe, ABA Bank, TNAOT, NAMENEKO JAPAN, Kudos to You, Trust Property, E-Gets, Nagano Prefecture, Kuraku Co., Ltd., KURATA PEPPER Co. Ltd., Frogsell, JCI Lab Co., Ltd., Taihei Co., Ltd., Hana Jia Er, We Watch, Milestone, GC Media, Xiaochuniang, Hkong Tea, Tinh Tinh Shop, Metfone, Tobitate! Study Abroad JAPAN, Lotus Dance Studio, Honor, Dream Girls Project, Move by LM Car, Amazing Cambodia, Krorma Tours, and awesomepick.
During the three-day event, a raffle was held daily for all attendees, with special sponsorship prizes, which greatly enlivened the venue. Notable prizes included $1,000 worth of picture books and stuffed toys from Social Compass, $200 worth of Japanese goods from Milestone, $2,500 worth of smartphones from HONOR, $1,000 dining vouchers from Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh, and from the KAWAII-CON organizing committee, a 3-night, 4-day travel package to Japan, including airfare and hotel accommodations, valued at $2,000.
KAWAII-CON attracted over 7,000 attendees over three days, achieving great success in its inaugural year. The event gained significant attention on social media platforms, with many participants sharing their experiences of enjoying Japanese culture across a wide range of booths and thrilling stage performances. KAWAII-CON Cambodia 2023 has transcended the concept of a festival and has become a bridge promoting business opportunities within the communities of both Japan and Cambodia.
