(Phnom Penh): On 11 February 2026, the Embassy of Japan in the Kingdom of Cambodia organized a ceremony to celebrate the 66th birthday of the Emperor of Japan Naruhito. The celebration took place at the official residence of the Japanese Ambassador in Phnom Penh.

The event was presided over by Sun Chanthol, First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), and Ueno Atsushi, Ambassador of Japan to Cambodia. The reception was attended by senior officials from Cambodian ministries and national institutions, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of international organizations.

At the reception, there was a ceremonial opening of Sake barrel, called "Kagami-Biraki", to celebrate the birthday of the Emperor of Japan and the friendship between Japan and Cambodia.

On the occasion, Sun Chanthol extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Government and people of Japan. He reaffirmed that the longstanding friendship and robust cooperation between the two nations serve as a solid foundation for their deep and enduring strategic partnership.

He underscored Japan’s significant contributions to Cambodia’s development over the years, noting Japan’s continued support across multiple sectors. These include major infrastructure projects such as bridges, roads, and ports, as well as initiatives in human resource development and legal reform, key drivers of Cambodia’s economic growth and social progress.

On behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia, Sun Chanthol respectfully conveyed his best wishes to Emperor Naruhito, wishing him longevity, good health, wisdom, and continued strength to inspire the Japanese people. He also expressed hope for further advancement of Cambodia–Japan cooperation, in line with the Royal Government’s vision for sustainable socio-economic development.
=FRESH NEWS