Prior to Master Kong Nay’s visit, the students of Wajiro Junior High School formed an Asia Week Executive Committee and organized “Asia Week” to learn about the history and culture of Asian nations. On the day of the visit, the entire school body assembled for an exchange forum, hosted by the Committee. When Master Kong Nay was introduced, the entire school body greeted him in unison in the Cambodian language, bringing a delighted smile to Master Kong Nay’s face.

After Prof. Terauchi gave a talk on the history and music of Cambodia, Master Kong Nay expressed his delight in receiving the Fukuoka Prize in song and performed Reamker and other pieces. To show their appreciation, the students then sang Furusato in Japanese, presenting the gift of their wonderful chorus to Master Kong Nay.

Asked by a student about the most difficult thing he had ever experienced, Master Kong Nay replied, “Losing my sight.” In response to a question about how he first encountered the chapey, he recalled, “When my father bought me a chapey when I was 13 years old, I remembered the sound of the chapey that I had heard at a festival and I thought that I could make living from chapey dang veng. ”Master Kong Nay thanked the students again for their gift of song, saying, “I don’t understand Japanese, but I understand the beauty of song. I am most moved to have this interaction with you.” The students then sang the school song together and took a commemorative photograph with Master Kong Nay. It was a very relaxed, congenial event.