AKP Phnom Penh, December 12, 2025 -- A Japanese volunteer dedicated to enriching the lives of underprivileged Cambodian children through art and language education has received a high honour from the Japanese government. 

Ms. Kasahara Tomoko was formally commended by Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs for her nearly 20 years of humanitarian work and her significant contributions to strengthening Japan-Cambodia relations.

The commendation ceremony, held on Dec. 11 evening in Siem Reap city, featured praise from Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Ueno Atsushi. 

The Ambassador lauded Ms. Kasahara's unwavering commitment since she established a small arts 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 youths.

According to Ambassador Ueno, Ms. Kasahara has conducted approximately 4,200 classes across 12 provinces, including mobile classes in remote rural areas. Each year, between 350 and 450 students participate in her programmes. Artwork created by her students has been showcased at events in both Cambodia and Japan, significantly fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the two nations.

The Ambassador highlighted that Ms. Kasahara’s mission was inspired by her desire to ensure that “Cambodian children can experience their one and only childhood with open hearts and minds.” He noted that while Cambodia has made considerable socio-economic progress since recovering from civil conflict—a time when arts exposure was scarce—art instruction remains limited in public schools. In this crucial context, Ms. Kasahara has provided joy, hope, and inspiration to thousands of children through art, all delivered completely free of charge.

Ms. Kasahara, founder of the “Little Art School,” marked the school’s 19th anniversary this year, noting that visitors from 49 countries have come to observe its work.

“I believe that to live, people need nourishment for both the body and the heart,” she said. “Food nourishes the body, but cultural experiences—such as art—nourish the mind. While physical nourishment is essential for a child’s survival, cultural learning is equally vital for their emotional growth. Art helps children understand the world more deeply through expressing themselves, connecting them to the joy of living.”

Reflecting on her almost 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 bring to life through their art, feel like “discovering a treasure.” She credited these moments for continually reminding her of the immense support she has received from partners who have accompanied her on this long journey.

Article in Khmer by Khuth Sao
Article in English by K. Rithy Reak