Reception to Celebrate His Majesty the Emperor’s Birthday and the 40th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Bhutan (27 March 2026)
2026/4/8
On 27 March, the Japanese Ambassador to Bhutan, Mr. Keiichi ONO, hosted this year's Emperor's Birthday Celebration Reception at the Terma Linca Resort & Spa in Thimphu, Bhutan. Her Majesty the Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck graced the occasion as the Royal Chief Guest. This was the first time this reception was held in Bhutan and served as a significant occasion to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Bhutan.
The reception was honoured by five members of the Royal Family, including Her Majesty the Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck (Royal Chief Guest), HRH Princess Chimi Yangzom Wangchuck, HRH Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, HRH Princess Kesang Chodren Wangchuck, and HRH Prince Ugyen Jigme Wangchuck. From the Royal Government of Bhutan, Hon. Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Hon. Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, and Hon. Lyonpo Lekey Dorji, Minister of Finance, attended the reception. In addition, more than 200 guests, including H.E. Mr. Vetsop Namgyel, Ambassador of Bhutan to Japan, Bhutanese public and private sector officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international organisations, and Japanese residents in Bhutan, were present.
The ceremony commenced with the playing of the national anthems of Japan and Bhutan, followed by remarks by Ambassador Ono and Prime Minister Tobgay.
In his remarks, Ambassador Ono, partly in Dzongkha, celebrated the 66th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor and expressed his heartfelt wishes for His Majesty’s health and happiness. He also noted that 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Bhutan. Referring to recent high-level exchanges, including the visit of Prime Minister Tobgay to Japan, as well as the progress in economic cooperation, he emphasised the further deepening of bilateral relations. He also highlighted the contributions of the late Mr. Keiji NISHIOKA and the longstanding exchanges between the Imperial Family of Japan and the Royal Family of Bhutan as the foundation of the special bond between the two countries. He concluded by expressing his hope that, taking this anniversary as a new starting point, relations between the two countries will be elevated to a new stage and that our wide-ranging cooperation will deepen further.
In response, Prime Minister Tobgay referred to the enduring friendship between the two countries which commenced with agricultural and technical support by Mr. Nishioka and expressed his appreciation for Japan’s continued support, noting that Japan has been a trusted and true partner in Bhutan’s development. He also highlighted that Japan’s continued support in areas such as infrastructure and human resource development have greatly contributed to Bhutan’s development.
Following the addresses, the Bhutanese Government launched the commemorative postage stamp and a tribute song, concluding with the cake-cutting ceremony offered by His Majesty The King of Bhutan. The Embassy also screened the commemorative video on an LED screen looking back on the 40-year history of Japan-Bhutan relations. The cultural programme featured a koto performance by Ms. Shimizu, a Japanese artist, as well as Bhutanese folk dance and Awa Odori performed by the Royal Academy of Performing Arts of Bhutan.
(List of participating companies and organisations' logos)
○ Embassy’s Social Media Coverage (X、Instagram、FB)
○ Kyodo News (Japanese Article Link)
○ Bhutan Broadcasting Service Corporation (Youtube: from 2:56:26)
○ Kuensel (FB)
The reception was honoured by five members of the Royal Family, including Her Majesty the Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck (Royal Chief Guest), HRH Princess Chimi Yangzom Wangchuck, HRH Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, HRH Princess Kesang Chodren Wangchuck, and HRH Prince Ugyen Jigme Wangchuck. From the Royal Government of Bhutan, Hon. Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Hon. Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, and Hon. Lyonpo Lekey Dorji, Minister of Finance, attended the reception. In addition, more than 200 guests, including H.E. Mr. Vetsop Namgyel, Ambassador of Bhutan to Japan, Bhutanese public and private sector officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international organisations, and Japanese residents in Bhutan, were present.
The ceremony commenced with the playing of the national anthems of Japan and Bhutan, followed by remarks by Ambassador Ono and Prime Minister Tobgay.
In his remarks, Ambassador Ono, partly in Dzongkha, celebrated the 66th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor and expressed his heartfelt wishes for His Majesty’s health and happiness. He also noted that 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Bhutan. Referring to recent high-level exchanges, including the visit of Prime Minister Tobgay to Japan, as well as the progress in economic cooperation, he emphasised the further deepening of bilateral relations. He also highlighted the contributions of the late Mr. Keiji NISHIOKA and the longstanding exchanges between the Imperial Family of Japan and the Royal Family of Bhutan as the foundation of the special bond between the two countries. He concluded by expressing his hope that, taking this anniversary as a new starting point, relations between the two countries will be elevated to a new stage and that our wide-ranging cooperation will deepen further.
In response, Prime Minister Tobgay referred to the enduring friendship between the two countries which commenced with agricultural and technical support by Mr. Nishioka and expressed his appreciation for Japan’s continued support, noting that Japan has been a trusted and true partner in Bhutan’s development. He also highlighted that Japan’s continued support in areas such as infrastructure and human resource development have greatly contributed to Bhutan’s development.
Following the addresses, the Bhutanese Government launched the commemorative postage stamp and a tribute song, concluding with the cake-cutting ceremony offered by His Majesty The King of Bhutan. The Embassy also screened the commemorative video on an LED screen looking back on the 40-year history of Japan-Bhutan relations. The cultural programme featured a koto performance by Ms. Shimizu, a Japanese artist, as well as Bhutanese folk dance and Awa Odori performed by the Royal Academy of Performing Arts of Bhutan.
Tea offering by Urasenke, Konnichian
After the ceremony, Ambassador Ono escorted members of the royal family and distinguished guests to a separate room, where Mr. Soko SHIMURA, Deputy Tea Master, Urasenke Konnichian offered Koicha (thick matcha tea) together with traditional Japanese sweets, introducing the beauty of Japanese Way of Tea culture.Introduction to Japanese cuisine served by Diplomatic Chef and Japanese sake
At the reception, Mr. Takuya IKUSHIMA, diplomatic chef from the Embassy of Japan to Bhutan, prepared and served Japanese cuisine, which was highly appreciated by the guests. Japanese sake and whisky were also offered at the drink booth and received great acclaim. Exhibition Booths by 20 Companies and Organisations
The reception also featured exhibition booths by companies, organisations, and a local government operating in Bhutan or considering entering the Bhutanese market. Various products and services were introduced, providing an opportunity not only for guests to enjoy the exhibits but also for exhibitors to engage in meaningful exchanges with Bhutanese government officials.(List of participating companies and organisations' logos)
Social Media and Public Relations Links
○ 40th Anniversary Commemorative Video (Instagram)○ Embassy’s Social Media Coverage (X、Instagram、FB)
○ Kyodo News (Japanese Article Link)
○ Bhutan Broadcasting Service Corporation (Youtube: from 2:56:26)
○ Kuensel (FB)