Report on the Bhutan Seminar Series 2024 (Oct. & Nov.2024)

2024年12月2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.

8th Seminar in the Bhutan Seminar Series 2023 (2023.10.13)

The 8th seminar in FY2024 was held on Friday, October 11th. This was the 53rd overall seminar, participants learned about Bumthang’s home, shopping street, school, and festival at the time through a program about 5-year-old twins living in Bumthang in the central region. After watching the video, commentator Ms. Noguchi (Chiyo-chan) gave a commentary that included her own experiences in Bhutan, and she shared information and exchanged opinions by answering questions from the participants.

About 55 people attended this seminar. Here are some of the participants’ comments: “The video was interesting, as it gave us a glimpse into daily life of children at the time, and it was fascinating to hear Chiyo-chan’s honest thoughts in the comments and question-and-answer session”, “I feel like I was able to see many aspects of daily life in Bhutan, including what the commentators said.” “I realized that the bonds between parents and children and the ways in which affection is expressed are similar in Bhutan and Japan, and I felt even closer to the country of Bhutan. I also enjoyed Chiyo-chan’s talk.” “I wondered if Chiyo-chan’s final comment, that she wanted to ‘live a normal life’, is similar to the thoughts that lies at the roots of young Bhutanese who go abroad.”

Introduction of the process shown in the video
Ms. Noguchi introduced her school life

9th Seminar in the Bhutan Seminar Series 2024 (2024.10.25)

The 9th seminar in FY2024 was held on Friday, October 25th. This was the 54thrd overall seminar, participants learned about environmental and development issues in Bhutan through American TV program. After watching the video, commentator Mr. Ishiuchi introduced climate change in Bhutan, GLOF (glacier lake outburst flood), monsoon floods, and the existence of water-related spirits, and lecturer Mr. Hirayama shared information about the Punatsangchhu Hydroelectric Power Plant and the river flooding that occurred in Trashigang in the summer of 2018. Participants asked questions about the actual situation of Bhutan’s NDC (nationally determined contribution, a greenhouse gas emission reduction target), disasters caused by development, and comments on Buddhism values regarding the environment.

About 40 people attended this seminar. Here are some of the participants’ comments: “I learned a little about the reality of the fears that glacial lakes will burst due to global warming, both in Nepal and Bhutan. The conflict between environmental conservation and hydroelectric development is something that also happens in Japan, but in Bhutan, the economy is deeply intertwined, I think it’s a tough situation for the government.” “I learned for the first time about Bhutan’s animism, which was interesting.” “I was interested in how USA (ABC News) views Bhutan. This may be true of developed countries in general, but I got a glimpse of the sentiment that, like Japan, they want Bhutan to remain a utopia. It seems that the reporter was also opposed to the construction of the dam. I have limited opportunities to watch overseas TV programs about Bhutan, so this was a valuable experience. I was grateful for the overview and explanation before watching the program.”

Introduction of the featured video
Regarding the content of the video

10th Seminar in the Bhutan Seminar Series 2024 (2024.11.22)

The 10th seminar in FY2024 was held on Friday, November 22nd. This time, participants learned about Bhutan’s national development policies through an American TV program. After watching the video, commentator Mr. Hirayama gave an explanation and commentary on the rules for wearing national dresses, the fourth king, GNH (Gross National Happiness), GNH International Conference, and hydroelectric power.

About 35 people attended this seminar. Here are some of the participants’ comments: “I liked the in-depth report on Bhutan’s unique policies.” “In the short 45-minute video, we were able to learn in depth about specific, familiar themes such as Bhutan’s traditional dresses, modernization, Buddhism, young people and pop culture, while also focusing on themes related to the core of humanity, such as happiness and GNH. We also gained highly specialized knowledge, such as lecturer Mr. Hirayama’s behind-the-scenes story of the birth of GNH and an actual visit to a hydroelectric power plant.” “It was interesting to see how the same thing, Bhutan, was perceived differently in each video.” “I was impressed by the phrase ‘national identity is one of the weapons for maintaining independence.’ I was glad to learn the correct way to interpret GNH. Although it is often introduced as a ‘happy country,’ in reality, it means that ‘the country’s goal is to maximize the happiness of citizens.’”

Introduction of the featured video
Inside the Punatsangchhu Hydroelectric Power Plant