Princess Akiko of Mikasa is visiting Bhutan from August 7 to 14 as Bhutan and Japan mark the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema received Princess Akiko at Tashichho Dzong on August 11. They also offered butter lamps and prayers for victims of the recent earthquake in Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture.
The visit highlights the longstanding ties between the two countries, which began with Japanese agricultural cooperation in the 1960s, notably through specialist Keiji Nishioka. Japan has since supported Bhutan in areas including healthcare, infrastructure and human-resource development.
Princess Akiko also joined a traditional Japanese wagashi-making workshop with the Bhutanese organisation SELWA, linking cultural exchange with skills development for young people with disabilities. Royal exchanges have remained an important part of bilateral relations, with members of Bhutan’s Royal Family and Japan’s Imperial Family making several visits over the decades. The 40th anniversary is being marked through various diplomatic, cultural and development activities in both countries.