Implementation of JAPAN WEEK in BHUTAN 2023
2023/11/1
The Embassy of Japan in New Delhi, the Japan Foundation New Delhi and JICA Bhutan Office, in cooperation with the Royal Government of Bhutan, organized Japan Week in Bhutan 2023 from Friday, 27 to Tuesday, 31 October 2023, in order to further promote cultural exchanges between Japan and Bhutan. This year marks the 35th anniversary of dispatching Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) to Bhutan.
(Reference) Announcement on JAPAN WEEK in BHUTAN 2023
(Reference) Announcement on JAPAN WEEK in BHUTAN 2023
1. Events on 27 October (Tsugaru Shamisen performance and Reception to commemorate the 35th Anniversary of JOCV in Bhutan)
(1) On 27 October, the first day of JAPAN WEEK, Tsugaru Shamisen performances were made by artists Mr. Koji Nagamura and Mr. Daisuke Sugiyama at two schools in Thimphu, Changhanka Middle Secondary School and Dechencholing Higher Secondary School. More than 500 students attended the performances.
(2) On the same day, a reception to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the JOCV in Bhutan was held in a hotel in Thimphu, welcoming His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan, and His Excellency Dr. Lotay Tshering, Prime Minister, along with many other dignitaries from the Royal Bhutanese Government.
Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1986, Japan and Bhutan have built a good relationship, starting with the exchanges between the Japanese Imperial Family and the Bhutanese Royal Family. Commencing with the agricultural projects guided by Dasho Nishioka, the exchanges focused on agriculture, rural development and infrastructure, and now encompass areas of economic and social development. The JOCV has played a significant role in deepening exchanges and ties between Japan and Bhutan and promoting the socio-economic development of Bhutan. As of October 2023, a total of 484 JOCV members have been dispatched to Bhutan, and including senior volunteers, the total number is 641.
At the reception to commemorate the 35th anniversary of JOCV in Bhutan, His Majesty the King expressed his gratitude for the activities of the JOCV and also praised the strength and integrity of the Japanese people, stating that he had always felt a close affinity and affection for them.
On this occasion, the Embassy of Japan also served Japanese food and beverages at the reception venue. In keeping with the festive occasion, Japanese food was served in the form of sushi rolls and soup, with four Veg and Non-Veg options - salmon roll, tuna roll, vegetable egg roll and vegetable roll - as well as soup stock made from kombu (kelp). Japanese sake was also served, including Kaze no Mori (produced by Yucho, Nara Prefecture) and THE CHOYA Extra Years, THE CHOYA Extra Shiso and THE CHOYA Royal Honey (produced by Choya), all of which were well received by all the guests.
(Photo courtesy: Royal Media Office Bhutan)
(Reference: Cooperating companies)
Japanese food: Hayate Ramen Restaurant in Thimphu.
Japanese sake: Yucho, Choya
Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1986, Japan and Bhutan have built a good relationship, starting with the exchanges between the Japanese Imperial Family and the Bhutanese Royal Family. Commencing with the agricultural projects guided by Dasho Nishioka, the exchanges focused on agriculture, rural development and infrastructure, and now encompass areas of economic and social development. The JOCV has played a significant role in deepening exchanges and ties between Japan and Bhutan and promoting the socio-economic development of Bhutan. As of October 2023, a total of 484 JOCV members have been dispatched to Bhutan, and including senior volunteers, the total number is 641.
At the reception to commemorate the 35th anniversary of JOCV in Bhutan, His Majesty the King expressed his gratitude for the activities of the JOCV and also praised the strength and integrity of the Japanese people, stating that he had always felt a close affinity and affection for them.
On this occasion, the Embassy of Japan also served Japanese food and beverages at the reception venue. In keeping with the festive occasion, Japanese food was served in the form of sushi rolls and soup, with four Veg and Non-Veg options - salmon roll, tuna roll, vegetable egg roll and vegetable roll - as well as soup stock made from kombu (kelp). Japanese sake was also served, including Kaze no Mori (produced by Yucho, Nara Prefecture) and THE CHOYA Extra Years, THE CHOYA Extra Shiso and THE CHOYA Royal Honey (produced by Choya), all of which were well received by all the guests.
(Photo courtesy: Royal Media Office Bhutan)
(Reference: Cooperating companies)
Japanese food: Hayate Ramen Restaurant in Thimphu.
Japanese sake: Yucho, Choya
2. Events on 28 October (JAPAN WEEK Main Event)
(1) On 28 October, JICA Bhutan Office, JAAB (Japan Alumni Association of Bhutan), UNDP Bhutan Office, Desuung Skilling Programme, Bhutan Judo Association, Bhutan Karate Association, Pelkhil School and Panasonic opened booths at Clock Tower Square, Thimphu. Japanese sake products were also displayed at the booth of the Embassy of Japan.
JAPAN WEEK Main Event was held in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Tandi Dorji, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade as Chief Guest, and other government officials. Bhutan Karate Association and Bhutan Judo Association gave martial arts demonstrations, respectively.
(2) On this occasion, a hand-over ceremony of footballs and other items donated by the Japan Football Association to the Bhutan Football Federation under the Projects for Sports Diplomacy Enhancement was organized. A congratulatory message from Mr. Kozo Tashima, President of JFA was read out on the stage.
In addition, a hand-over ceremony of Judo uniforms donated by JUDOs to Bhutan Judo Association as a part of the Sports for Tomorrow (SFT) was organized. A video message from Mr. Kosei Inoue, President of JUDOs, was screened on the stage.
(3) Students from the Pelkhil School gave a performance of J-pop and other songs. The Tsugaru Shamisen players, Mr. Koji Nagamura and Mr. Daisuke Sugiyama, performed traditional Tsugaru Jonkara Bushi and the anime songs “Suzume” and “Benirenka,” which are also popular in Bhutan. They played their original songs “Resonance” and “Groovy” as well. The venue was bustling with enthusiasm despite being an open space.
JAPAN WEEK Main Event was held in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Tandi Dorji, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade as Chief Guest, and other government officials. Bhutan Karate Association and Bhutan Judo Association gave martial arts demonstrations, respectively.
(2) On this occasion, a hand-over ceremony of footballs and other items donated by the Japan Football Association to the Bhutan Football Federation under the Projects for Sports Diplomacy Enhancement was organized. A congratulatory message from Mr. Kozo Tashima, President of JFA was read out on the stage.
In addition, a hand-over ceremony of Judo uniforms donated by JUDOs to Bhutan Judo Association as a part of the Sports for Tomorrow (SFT) was organized. A video message from Mr. Kosei Inoue, President of JUDOs, was screened on the stage.
3. Events on 30-31 October (Japanese culture and Japanese language workshops)
On 30 and 31 October, the Japan Foundation New Delhi organized workshops on Japanese culture and language at higher education institutions in Thimphu.
A total of about seventy students participated in the workshops held at the two institutions.
The workshops introduced Japanese cultural quizzes, Japanese conversation and Bon Odori dance, and the participants showed an elevated level of interest in Japan. This event led to further deepening of their overall interest in Japan.
A total of about seventy students participated in the workshops held at the two institutions.
The workshops introduced Japanese cultural quizzes, Japanese conversation and Bon Odori dance, and the participants showed an elevated level of interest in Japan. This event led to further deepening of their overall interest in Japan.
Organizers
Co-organized by: Embassy of Japan, Japan Foundation New Delhi and JICA Bhutan Office.
In cooperation with: The Royal Bhutanese Government
In cooperation with: The Royal Bhutanese Government