Report on the Bhutan Seminar Series 2022 (Feb & Mar.2023)

2023年4月20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.

18th Seminar in the Bhutan Seminar Series 2022 (2023.2.4)

In the 18th seminar, we looked back at the social situation of the 1960s and 1970s with valuable video in English and Dzongkha. Mr. Hirayama, Lecturer of the Global Collaboration Center, Ochanomizu University, provided background instructions, explanations, and comments after the screening. Then the information was shared by answering questions from the participants regarding Bhutan's foreign affairs, its relationship with the Kingdom of Sikkim, security policies, the current status of modern school education, etc.

About 45 people attended the seminar. Here are some of the participants’ comments: “It was my pleasure to see the significant video of the 4th King's coronation ceremony,” “I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the close bond between Bhutan and India,”“I also learned a lot from the participants' questions and answers.”

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Video related to Bhutan by Government of India

19th Seminar in the Bhutan Seminar Series 2022 (2023.2.25)

Continuing 18th seminar, we looked back on the social situation of the 1960s and 1970s in the 19th seminar with the valuable video in English. Mr. Hirayama, Lecturer of the Global Collaboration Center, Ochanomizu University, provided background instructions, explanations, and comments after the screening. Many useful comments were given by all, including the participants from Bhutan.

About 60 people attended the seminar. Here are some of the participants’ comments: “The video provided a significant insight into what Bhutan was like 55 years ago. I learned how things are made, such as building and road constructions, blacksmithing, making bowls, and textiles production,” “It was interesting to see the perspective of thinking about culture and tradition based on the lengh of hair.”

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Director of the film, Mr. Eric Davidson

20th Seminar in the Bhutan Seminar Series 2022 (2023.3.11)

In the 20th seminar which is the final seminar in the seminar series, we looked back on Indian Prime Minister Nehru's visit to Bhutan on September to October, 1958, which marked the 'beginning of Bhutan's modern era' with valuable video. Prior to the screening, participants had time to study the content since the video was entirely in Hindi with no subtitles. The session was interspersed with comments by Mr. Hirayama, the lecturer, during the viewing.

About 45 people attended the seminar. Here are some of the participants’ comments: “The video was easy to understand thanks to the previous explanations,” “Despite the Hindi narration, I was able to comprehend the video well by viewing it with the notes I took while Mr. Hirayama made an explanation before screening,”“The comment made by Mr. Hirayama that knowing the past is very helpful when thinking about the future left a strong impression on me.”

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Newspaper article on Prime Minister Nehru's visit to Bhutan