Report on the Bhutan Seminar Series 2025 (Feb & Mar.2026)

2026年3月9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 FY2025.

14th Seminar in the Bhutan Seminar Series 2025 (2026.2.6)

The 14th Bhutan Seminar of the 2025 academic year took place online on Friday, February 6, 2025. The 14th session (74th overall) featured a documentary on Pemagatshel, located in eastern Bhutan, which was co-produced by the county and Bhutanese journalists, and explored the region’s culture, nature, and history.

About 50 people attended the seminar. Here are some comments from the participants: “In the last two sessions we heard about the country and politics via interviews with the PM, but this time the content varied from session to session. We are grateful that Mr Hirayama provided commentary which deepened our understanding.”“I appreciated the YouTube link ahead of time, since I often miss things or get so caught up in the dialogue that I can't take the time to look at the images.”“I watched the Pemagatshel documentary with interest. Bhutan isn't large, but its natural environment makes it diverse. I'd like to see other districts.”“The beauty of the footage inside the temples—especially the interior decorations and costumes—never fails to captivate me. The locally produced textiles are exquisite, with a precision and beauty reminiscent of Nishijin-ori. The welcoming of guests as full members of the community was also heartwarming. The video concluded with a medley-style recap of the visited locations, and I was surprised to see a stupa that looked exactly like those in Nepal.”

Location of Pemagatshel
The scenery of Pemagatshel

15th Seminar in the Bhutan Seminar Series 2025 (2026.3.6)

The 15th Bhutan Seminar of the 2025 academic year took place online on Friday, March 6, 2026. For the 15th session (75th overall), featured a documentary on the Tashiyangtse district, produced jointly by the county — located in eastern Bhutan — and the Bhutanese fashion magazine Yeewong. The documentary explored the region's culinary traditions, handicrafts, and sacred sites.

About 50 people attended the seminar. Here are some comments from the participants: “I'm always surprised by the fresh insights I gain.I was moved to realise how little I know about my country and to learn about people across borders who cherish their lives.” “I learned about the current state of tourism in Bhutan through fascinating cultural artefacts from Trashi Yangtse.”“I was surprised to learn that there are many customs of which even the Bhutanese people are unaware.” “Your well-organised content is helping me learn about Bhutan. It would be great if you could cover the English education system at elementary and middle school levels when you have the chance, as I would like to see it for myself. Thank you as always.”

Location of Tashiyangtse
The scenery of Tashiyangtse