State Visit of their Majesties the King and Queen of Bhutan to Japan
Outline of Visit Programme and Appraisal

November 21, 2011

Appraisal

(1) Coming in the 25th anniversary year of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Bhutan, the State Visit to Japan by Their Majesties was a historical visit that significantly strengthened the friendly relations between the two countries. Of particular note was His Majesty's repeated expression, on various occasions including at the State Banquet and in his address to the Diet, of Bhutan's great respect and affection for Japan, as well as the country's deep appreciation of the support that Japan has provided to date towards Bhutan's nation building. His Majesty also took many opportunities to convey the sympathy and solidarity of the Bhutanese people towards those who suffered as a result of the Great East Japan Earthquake. His Majesty's statements as well as the daily programs of Their Majesties clad in the beautiful traditional clothing of Bhutan, were closely followed by a wide-range of media outlets.
(2) During the course of Their Majesties' visit, Japanese media introduced various aspects of Bhutan, including Gross National Happiness (GNH), the country's unique development philosophy, and the late Japanese agricultural specialist Keiji Nishioka's great contributions to development of Bhutan's agriculture. The coverage nurtured a heightened affinity for and greater understanding of Bhutan among Japanese people.
(3) Going forward, Japan and Bhutan look forward to a strengthened, multi-layered bilateral relationship rooted not just in development, but also in enhanced cooperation on the international stage and in political-economic, environmental, people-to-people as well as academic and cultural exchanges. Their Majesties' visit to Japan is recognized as having provided great momentum towards the further deepening of the Japan-Bhutan bilateral relationship.

Outline of the Visit Programme

(1) The King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck stayed in Japan as State Guests from November 15, visiting Tokyo, Fukushima and Kyoto, before departing on November 20.
(2) Their Majesties arrived at Narita Airport on the morning of the 15th and received a courtesy call from Prime Minister Noda and his wife that evening at the State Guest House. They exchanged views on various topics including the bilateral relationship and economic cooperation.
(3) On the 16th, Their Majesties attended the Welcoming Ceremony at the Imperial Palace and paid a State Call on His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince, who assumed duties on behalf of His Majesty the Emperor due to His Majesty's illness. Their Majesties were then visited by Her Majesty the Empress at the State Guest House. In the afternoon, Their Majesties attended a luncheon hosted by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the House of Councillors. In the evening, Their Majesties attended a State Banquet at the Imperial Palace.
(4) On the morning of the 17th, His Majesty was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Economics at Keio University and offered an acceptance speech. At noon, His Majesty visited the National Diet and delivered an address in the Chamber of the House of Representatives. In the afternoon, Their Majesties visited Meiji Jingu Shrine, followed by an exhibition of judo at the Kodokan Judo Institute. In the evening, Their Majesties attended a welcome reception co-hosted by the Japan-Kingdom of Bhutan Parliamentarians' Friendship League, the Japan Bhutan Friendship Association and the Honorary Consul-General of Bhutan in Japan.
(5) On the 18th, Their Majesties received a Farewell Call from His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince at the State Guest House, followed by a Farewell Visit by Her Majesty the Empress. Their Majesties then paid a visit to Soma City, in Fukushima Prefecture, where they interacted with elementary school students and offered a prayer for the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake at a devastated by the disaster.
(6) On the 19th, in Kyoto, Their Majesties visited Kinkaku-ji Temple, Sanjusangen-do, the Kyoto Traditional Crafts Center, and also enjoyed ikebana and tea ceremony workshops. In the evening, Their Majesties attended a welcome dinner jointly hosted by Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, and the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
(7) On the 20th, after a morning visit to Sento Imperial Palace, Their Majesties departed Japan from Kansai International Airport.

1. Courtesy call by Prime Minister and Mrs. Noda (Tuesday, November 15)

(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)

(1) Prime Minister Noda congratulated Their Majesties the King and Queen on their wedding and extended a warm welcome to Their Majesties as State Guests. Prime Minister Noda stated that he would like to further strengthen the relationship between Japan and Bhutan, as this year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Prime Minister Noda also reiterated his sympathy regarding the earthquake in September which caused damage in Bhutan, as well as his appreciation for the sympathy and support received from Bhutan in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
(2) His Majesty King Jigme Khesar conveyed his appreciation for the invitation to Japan as State Guests, and expressed his respect to Japan on behalf of His Majesty the Fourth King, the government and the people of Bhutan. His Majesty reiterated his condolences and solidarity for those who suffered as a result of the Great East Japan Earthquake. His Majesty further expressed his gratitude for Japan's economic cooperation.

2. Luncheon hosted by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and President of the House of Councillors (Wednesday, November 16)

At the official residence of the President of the House of Councillors, President Hirata of the House of Councillors and Speaker Yokomichi of the House of Representatives hosted a luncheon for Their Majesties in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. It was also attended by the Vice-Speaker, the Vice-President and the Chairs of the Steering Committees of each of the two chambers, as well as the executive members of the Japan-Kingdom of Bhutan Parliamentarians' Friendship League.

3. State Banquet at the Imperial Palace (Wednesday, 16 November)

(1) A State Banquet in honor of Their Majesties was hosted by His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince with the attendance of other members of the Imperial Family. On behalf of His Majesty the Emperor, His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince delivered His Majesty's remarks, in which His Majesty reaffirmed Japan's deep appreciation for the heartfelt sympathy and support from Bhutan following the Great East Japan Earthquake, including the various memorial services and fund-raising activities held across the country. His Majesty strongly hoped that the visit to Japan by Their Majesties the King and Queen of Bhutan would lead to further mutual exchanges and greater friendship between Japan and Bhutan, referring to visits of members of the Japanese Imperial Family and the Bhutanese Royal Family and economic cooperation, as well as Gross National Happiness (GNH), a concept originally proposed by His Majesty the Fourth King.
(2) In his address, His Majesty the King offered Their Majesties' deep gratitude for the kind and warm welcome by the Japanese people and expressed his sympathy for and solidarity with those affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. His Majesty also stated that the two nations share a special bond, and in Dzongkha, wished Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress the blessing of good health, happiness and long life, and prayed that Japan and its people be blessed with peace and happiness.

4. Address to the Japanese Diet (Thursday, November 17)

(1) In attendance for His Majesty's address, the Chamber of the House of Representatives was filled with 464 Members of the Japanese Diet (308 Members from the House of Representatives and 156 Members from the House of Councillors) including Prime Minister Noda, Chief Cabinet Secretary Fujimura, Foreign Minister Gemba, Chairperson Machimura, Deputy Chairperson Matsumoto, and other members of the Japan-Kingdom of Bhutan Parliamentarians' Friendship League.
(2) In his address, His Majesty the King offered his deep sympathy and condolences for the pain, suffering and great losses incurred in the Great East Japan Earthquake as well as encouragement for the reconstruction efforts. His Majesty expressed his respect for Japan and the remarkable qualities of the Japanese people, stating that Japan had led Asia into the modern world. His Majesty further reiterated Bhutan's full commitment and support for Japan playing a leading role in an expanded United Nations Security Council, expressed his appreciation for Japan's development assistance, and referred to the close ties between Bhutan and Japan.
(3) His Majesty's address drew great rounds of applause at many times. His Majesty's thoughtful tribute to Japan and its people in relation to the Great East Japan Earthquake moved many people in Japan, especially by these words: "No nation or people should ever have to experience such suffering. And yet if there is one nation that can rise stronger and greater from such adversity, it is Japan and her People. Of this I am confident."

5. Visit to Soma City, Fukushima Prefecture (Friday, November 18)

(1) Arriving at Fukushima Station on the Shinkansen, Their Majesties were greeted by Fukushima Governor Mr. Sato and received a hearty welcome from a great crowd of local citizens waving Bhutan's national flag. The route to Soma City was also lined in many places by local residents waiting to greet Their Majesties as they passed.
(2) At Soma City's Sakuragaoka Elementary School, Their Majesties were treated to songs and dances by the students. His Majesty then narrated a folk tale of dragons, which is often shared with Bhutanese schoolchildren. His Majesty explained that dragons became stronger by feeding on experiences, and encouraged the students to take special care to nurture the dragon within each of them.
(3) Their Majesties then moved to the Haragama-Obama district of Soma Port, and clasped their hands in prayer for three minutes towards the disaster-afflicted area, together with Bhutan's second highest Buddhist monk, Venerable Kinley, and others, who had arrived earlier and conducted a memorial service. His Majesty said that he appreciated the opportunity to visit the disaster-afflicted area, and stated that he would like to continue to pray for the victims of the earthquake.

6. Kyoto Visit (Saturday, November 18)

(1) At Kinkaku-ji, Their Majesties visited the temple and rang a bell to offer a prayer for world peace. His Majesty shared with His Eminence Arima, who had escorted Their Majesties, his hope for the wisdom of Buddhism to help resolve the conflicts that continue to rage around the world.
(2) At Sanjusangen-do, Their Majesties offered a prayer and a candle in front of the Seated Thousand-armed Kannon.
(3) Their Majesties then proceeded to the Kyoto Traditional Crafts Center, where they viewed the production of pieces using bamboo crafting and urushi lacquering techniques. Their Majesties used a chisel to make a cut in a carving of Buddha currently being made from a pine log washed away in the tsunami that hit Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, laying their hands on the newly-cut spot and offering a prayer for the victims.
(4) Their Majesties then proceeded to tour the Tatsumura Textile Company, where they watched intently the production of brocaded articles.
(5) In the evening, Their Majesties impressed those in attendance at the welcome dinner hosted by Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry by appearing in traditional Japanese kimono.

Reference: Visit Programme

Tuesday, November 15
- Arrival at Tokyo
- Courtesy call by Prime Minister & Mrs. Noda
Wednesday, November 16
- Welcoming Ceremony at the Imperial Palace
- State Call at the Imperial Palace
- Visit by Her Majesty the Empress at the State Guest House
- Lunch hosted by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the House of Councillors
- State Banquet at Imperial Palace
Thursday, November 17
- Conferment of Honorary Doctorate at Keio University
- Address to the Diet
- Visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine
- Visit to the Kodokan Judo Institute
- Welcome Reception hosted by the Japan-Kingdom of Bhutan Parliamentarians' Friendship League, JapanBhutan Friendship Association and Honorary Consul-General of Bhutan in Japan
Friday, November 18
- Farewell Call and Farewell Visit
- Visit to Sakuragaoka Elementary School in Soma City, Fukushima Prefecture
- Prayer at Haragama and Obama, Soma City, Fukushima Prefecture
Saturday, November 19
- Visit to Kinkaku-ji Temple
- Visit to Sanjusangen-do
- Ikebana workshop
- Visit to Kyoto Traditional Crafts Center
- Visit to Tatsumura Textile Company
- Welcome Dinner hosted by Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, and Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Sunday, November 20
- Visit to Sento Imperial Palace
- Departure from Kansai International Airport