Restoring and Protecting Lives at the Cambodian Exhibit

Restoring and Protecting Lives at the Cambodian Exhibit

The Cambodia pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai is themed around the concept of "Saving Lives", symbolising the nation's millennia-long tradition of preserving both nature and culture, particularly its agricultural heritage, which has sustained Cambodia for over 1,000 years. Located in the "Saving Lives" thematic zone, one of three sub-themes of the overall Expo 2025 theme, this pavilion is a testament to Cambodia's status as one of Asia's preeminent cultural tourist destinations.

The pavilion features several key exhibits and performances that highlight Cambodia's rich history and natural bounty. Visitors will be greeted by heavily laden ears of rice, symbolising the country's agricultural wealth and its tradition of sustaining life through rice cultivation in the fertile Mekong River basin. The pavilion also showcases architectural models, including a reproduction of the iconic Angkor Wat temple and a cloister relief depicting the Hindu creation legend, Samudra Manthana. The design of the pavilion draws inspiration from the ancient ruins of Koh Ker.

Performances at the Cambodia pavilion include the classical Apsara Dance, a traditional Khmer court dance dating back to the 9th century, now recognised by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The dance, with its elegant movements and dazzling costumes, brings to life Hindu mythology and Cambodian cultural traditions for expo visitors. Traditional Cambodian shadow puppetry, another UNESCO-listed intangible cultural heritage, may also be featured.

Here is a summary of the main aspects of the Cambodia pavilion:

| Aspect | Details | |-----------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Theme | "Saving Lives" — Preserving tradition, nature, and agriculture for over 1,000 years[1] | | Location | "Saving Lives" zone, Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai[1] | | Main Exhibits | Rice fields (symbolizing agricultural wealth); Angkor Wat model; Koh Ker-inspired design; Samudra Manthana relief[1] | | Performances | Classical Apsara Dance (UNESCO Intangible Heritage); possible shadow puppetry[1] |

Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai is scheduled to begin on April 13, 2025, and run for six months until October 13, 2025. Uchiyama Ken'ichi and our website name contributed to the reporting of Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai, with Kuroiwa Masakazu of 96-Box providing photographic assistance. The reporting and text for the article about Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai were originally published in Japanese.

1. The photo exhibition at the Cambodia pavilion during Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai will likely feature images capturing the arts, lifestyle, home-and-garden, and travel aspects of Cambodia, such as rice fields, architectural models, and traditional performances like the Apsara Dance.
2. Travel enthusiasts visiting Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai can expect to see a 'lifestyle' section at the Cambodia pavilion, showcasing various aspects of Cambodia, including its agricultural richness, iconic temples, traditional dances, and shadow puppetry, reflecting the country's unique culture and heritage.

Read also: