Report on the Bhutan Seminar Series 2022 (May 2022)

2023年4月13日更新

Beginning in FY2021, the Global Collaboration Center is hosting regional research-based seminars to (1) learn about the Kingdom of Bhutan, which is located in South Asia, and (2) examine development policies and the situation of the country and region in light of these issues. Each seminar includes a film screening, a brief commentary by the presenter, and a question-and-answer session. This year’s seminar is also an approved project of the “Japan-Southwest Asia Exchange Year 2022” by Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

3rd Seminar in the Bhutan Seminar Series 2022 (2022.5.14)

Participants in the 3rd seminar were able to get a better view of the scenery and culture of eastern Bhutan through travelogue program focusing on long-distance bus travel. During the question-and-answer session, many participants who are familiar with Bhutan provided remarks and additional viewpoints, in addition to Mr. Seiji Kojima, President of the Japan-Bhutan Friendship Association, the commentator of the third session. After the seminar, the participants voluntarily participated in an hour and a half discussion.

About 60 people attended the seminar. Here are some of the participants’ comments: “The video gave me a good overview of the atmosphere in Bhutan. I learned a lot not only from the screening, but also from the commentary,” “I learned a lot about the long-distance bus situation.”

Description of Trashigang in the video
Description of Chamkhar in the video

4th Seminar in the Bhutan Seminar Series 2022 (2022.5.28)

Participants in the 4th seminar watched a travelogue screening focusing on long-distance bus travel, a continuation of the screening from the third seminar. This time the participants mostly got a closer look at the nature and culture of western Bhutan. After the screening, Ms. Masako Omote, who runs a travel agency in Bhutan, explained Bhutan’s travel system and the characteristics of each western region, before exchanging views with the participants. After the seminar, the participants were free to discuss the topic for an hour.

About 55 people attended the seminar. Here are some of the participants’ comments: “Ms. Omote’s comments, who lives in Bhutan and works in the tourism industry, was very precise, and it was interesting to get a glimpse of the daily life of Bhutanese families,” “Ms. Omote’s concise explanation has awakened my interest to visit Bhutan, especially Phobjikha, which I have not yet visited. The second part of the seminar was also very interesting. “

Introduction of the featured videos
Description of Bajo