SIEM REAP, Cambodia – A long-serving Japanese volunteer, Ms. Kasahara Tomoko, has received a prestigious commendation from Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs for her unwavering dedication to Cambodian children. The award recognizes her nearly 20 years of humanitarian work and her significant role in strengthening the friendship between Japan and Cambodia.

The official commendation ceremony took place on the evening of December 11 in Siem Reap city.

I. An Unwavering Commitment to the Arts

Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia, H.E. Ueno Atsushi, praised Ms. Kasahara’s commitment since she established her small non-profit, the “Little Art School,” in 2008.

Drawing on her professional background as an art teacher, she has consistently offered free arts classes and Japanese-language instruction to disadvantaged youth across the country.

• Scale of Impact: According to Ambassador Ueno, Ms. Kasahara has conducted approximately 4,200 classes across 12 provinces, even reaching remote rural areas through mobile classes.
• Student Reach: Each year, between 350 and 450 students participate in her vital programs.
• Cultural Exchange: Artwork created by her students has been proudly showcased at cultural events in both Cambodia and Japan, significantly boosting cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

II. Nourishment for the Heart

The Ambassador highlighted that Ms. Kasahara’s work was inspired by her desire to ensure that “Cambodian children can experience their one and only childhood with open hearts and minds.”

Ms. Kasahara, celebrating the school’s 19th anniversary this year, shared her philosophy:

“I believe that to live, people need nourishment for both the body and the heart… Food nourishes the body, but cultural experiences—such as art—nourish the mind. Art helps children understand the world more deeply through expressing themselves, connecting them to the joy of living.”

The Ambassador noted that while art instruction remains limited in public schools in Cambodia, Ms. Kasahara has filled a crucial gap, providing joy, hope, and inspiration to thousands of children—all delivered completely free of charge.

III. Finding a Treasure in Cambodia

Reflecting on her nearly two decades in Cambodia, Ms. Kasahara described the experience as irreplaceable. She shared that the smiles and bright eyes of the children, and the colourful worlds they create through art, feel like “discovering a treasure.” She credited these moments for sustaining her work and reminding her of the immense support she has received from partners throughout her long journey.

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