Report on the Bhutan Seminar Series 2024 (Apr. & May.2024)

2024年8月5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. A total of 15 sessions are scheduled for FY2024.

1st Seminar in the Bhutan Seminar Series 2024 (2024.4.26)

This seminar featured an internationally co-produced documentary that focuses on a man who takes on the issue of “Tibetan Buddhist prayer flags that are tied to trees, which have a negative impact on the environment”. After watching the video, commentator Mr. Tomoaki Tsugawa gave an explanation, and documentary producer Mr. Tamotsu Matsubara shared his thoughts on the work and anecdotes from the filming, after which they answered questions from participants and exchanged information and opinions.

About 65 people attended this seminar. Here are some of the participants’ comments: “It was very meaningful not just to watch the video but to hear from the production staff”, “I learned about the conflict between the religious culture and environmental issues of Bhutan”, “I found it very interesting to listen to the theme of faith, tradition and environmental protection, which is a theme that could arise anywhere in the world. I was particularly intrigued by the change from cotton to a mixture of synthetic fibers for prayer flags, as this is the current situation that is leading to environmental destruction. It was also interesting to hear that this issue is being discussed among Bhutanese monks, and I think it provides an opportunity to think about what the changing times bring”.

Introduction of the featured video
Producer Mr. Tamotsu Matsubara

2nd Seminar in the Bhutan Seminar Series 2024 (2024.5.24)

In this seminar, a documentary film by Bhutanese director Mr. Arun Bhattarai was featured, focusing on glacier experts.　After watching the video, commentator Ms. Maiko Anzai gave a report on her experience studying abroad at Royal Thimphu College (RTC) in Bhutan, and participants asked many questions about her experience.

About 60 people attended this seminar. Here are some of the participants’ comments: “The video introduction was good, but I was very interested in the RTC study abroad experience”, “I learned there are many Bhutanese migrating to Australia now, the glaciers have recently changed, and Bhutan is also in the midst of major changes”, “Following on from the last seminar, we were able to learn that there is a kind of conflict between culture, including prayer, and past values on the one hand, and modernization and environmental issues on the other”.

Introduction of the featured video
Director Mr. Arun Bhattarai