Report on the Bhutan Seminar Series 2024 (Feb. & Mar.2025)

2025年3月7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.

14th Seminar in the Bhutan Seminar Series 2024 (2025.2.14)

The 14th seminar in FY2024 was held on Friday, February 14th 2025. This was the 59th overall seminar, and we looked back on the social situation in the 1970s and 1980s with valuable video. After watching the video, commentator Mr. Hiroshi Takahashi gave a commentary focusing on scenes from Bumthang in the central part of the country that appeared in the video, followed by information sharing and opinion exchange in response to questions from the participants.

About 45 people attended this seminar. Here are some of the participants’ comments: “It was very interesting to see how people lived in the past.” “Mr. Takahashi’s comments added depth to the video, as he has been reporting on Bhutan for many years.” “The part about applying yak butter to the baby’s body was interesting because it is exactly the same as applying moisturizer after a bath in Japan today. I was surprised that when drying the baby’s body, mother held her hand over the fire to warm it while drying it with her own hand.” “There was a lot of time for questions and answers, which was good.”

Introduction of the movie set in Bumthang
About Bumthang

15th Seminar in the Bhutan Seminar Series 2024 (2025.3.7)

The 15th seminar in FY2024 was held on Friday, March 7th. This was the 60th overall seminar, following on from last time we featured social situation in the 1970s and 1980s with valuable video. Ms. Airi Yamamoto, a fourth-year student in the Faculty of Letters and Education, served as the moderator. After watching the video, lecturer Mr. Hirayama gave a brief explanation of the scenes that appeared in the video, and then shared information by answering questions from the participants.

About 40 people attended this seminar. Here are some of the participants’ comments: “I was able to learn about the customs and culture of Bhutan through the precious video. It is a very valuable video at a time when there is a significant wave of change. I am also glad that I discovered the existence of this video.” “It was interesting to hear that the custom of performing the festival (Tshechu) was not practiced in the southern part of Bhutan but was spread through the efforts of the government.” “Everyone who has actually experienced Bhutan has shared various observatons about how it has changed due to the influence of modernization and westernization. This makes me think that the pace of transformation in Bhutan is accelerating.” “Ms. Yamamoto, thank you very much for your long-time support. I have been amazed by your exceptional moderating skills since your first year. Please continue to work hard after graduation, taking advantage of what you have learned so far.”

Introduction of movie set in Bumthang
About Bumthang