40th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Bhutan (2026)

2026/4/7
　2026 marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Bhutan. The governments of both countries are undertaking a range of initiatives to celebrate this commemorative year with as many people as possible and to further promote exchanges between the two countries.



 Official Logo for the 40th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Bhutan in 2026
 

40th Anniversary commemorative video

 To mark the 40th anniversary, the Embassy of Japan to Bhutan has released a video looking back on  the 40 years of Japan-Bhutan relations. In 1964, Mr Keiji Nishioka was dispatched as an agricultural expert by the Overseas Technical Cooperation Agency (now JICA), and his contribution to the development of agriculture in Bhutan became the foundation of exchanges between the two countries. In recognition of his achievements, he was awarded the title “Dasho,” meaning “the most distinguished,” by His Majesty the King of Bhutan, and is fondly remembered locally as “Dasho Nishioka.”
 Diplomatic relations were subsequently established on 28 March 1986, and since then, ties have developed across a wide range of areas, including close exchanges between the Imperial Family of Japan and the Royal Family of Bhutan, as well as intergovernmental cooperation, economic cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges. As the two countries mark the 40th anniversary, there is a strong expectation that their friendly relations will continue to grow further.
 

   In addition, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Bhutan Office has released a video focusing on exchanges among people, including experts and Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV). Beginning with the dispatch of agricultural experts, JICA’s cooperation has expanded into a broad range of fields, including infrastructure, social development, martial arts, education, disaster management, and health. The video highlights how people-to-people exchanges have fostered mutual learning and deepened friendship over the years.

 

A tribute song commemorating Bhutan and Japan’s 40th Diplomatic Friendship Anniversary

 Embassy of Japan in Bhutan is pleased to introduce a tribute song commemorating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bhutan and Japan, produced and released by the Traditional Performing Arts and Music Division, Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development, Ministry of Home Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan.
 

 This tribute song celebrates 40 years of friendship between Bhutan and Japan, highlighting a shared journey of trust, respect, and mutual growth. It expresses gratitude for Japan’s support, blends elements of both cultures, and conveys heartfelt wishes for lasting peace, happiness, and prosperity in both nations. Please find the lyrics at the link here.

©️ TPAMD, DCDD, MoHA, Bhutan

List of Commemorative Events of the 2026 40th Anniversary (updated regularly)

 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan designates a range of events held in both countries as Commemorative Events of the anniversary. For further details, please visit MOFA website.

  • List of Commemorative Events: To be updated
  • Click here to apply for designation as a Commemorative Event. (Japanese)

Related Links and Information

1. Our Embassy's Initiatives 2.  Japan-Bhutan Relations (Ministry of Foreign Affairs website)

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