Restoring Angkor Wat: An Interview with Japanese Scholar Ishizawa Yoshiaki

Angkor Wat, the best-known temple of the Angkor complex, is famous for its outstanding artistic value. The site, the largest complex of ancient monuments in Asia, is situated some 240 kilometers northwest of the capital of Phnom Penh. (Photograph courtesy of Sophia University)

Trainees work on an archeological dig at Banteay Kdei Temple. (Photo courtesy of Sophia University)

The first phase of restoration work on the western approach to the temple. (Photo courtesy of Sophia University)

Professor Ishizawa sits on a block of stone transported from Angkor to Sophia University while holding a stone image of Jayavarman VII, the king who laid the foundations of the Angkor dynasty.

Some of the damaged Buddhist images discovered by Ishizawa’s team. (Photo courtesy of Sophia University)

Professor Ishizawa’s Ramon Magsaysay Award citation and medal.