Tanabata Festival is a Japanese traditional festival that takes place every year on July 7th. The objective of the event is to tell the narrative of Orihime (Altair Star) and Hikoboshi (Vega Star), two lovers in heaven who are only allowed to meet once a year on July 7th. To celebrate this occasion, CJCC in cooperation with the Embassy of Japan in Cambodia and the Japan Foundation Phnom Penh Liaison Office (JFPP) hosts a festival on the first or second weekend of July, with the aim of encouraging cultural exchange between Cambodia and Japan. We also add the Cambodian culture that has a similar view of Japanese culture.

Every year, more than 2,000 people attend this event, which includes historical presentations and performances of the Tanabata and Khmer tales (Tep Sodachan). Participants are able to take their turn at making Japanese and Khmer sweets and food, as well as write some wishes on a strip of paper and hang them on a bamboo tree to make the wishes come true. There are a variety of cultural activities and exhibitions, such as the decoration and display of Tanabata in Japan, folding Origami, learning Japanese calligraphy, wearing Yukata, food, drinks, Cambodian and Japanese booths, various entertainment programs, free-style dancing, and photo sessions.