SINCE 1986 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations
Japan × Bhutan
Exchange Plaza
An open board about Japan and Bhutan that anyone can read and post on — no sign-up. Posts in English and Japanese are translated automatically.
Certified project of the 40th Anniversary of Japan–Bhutan Diplomatic Relations (MOFA Japan) → (opens the list of certified projects in a new tab, in Japanese)
Topics
- Travel & Scenery
- Food & Culture
- Daily Life
- GNH & Happiness
- Language
- Sports
- Society
- Japan–Bhutan Ties
Open Board
Anyone, anywhere can read and post. Posts in English and Japanese are translated automatically, so just write in your own words. Posts are public, so please don't include your address, phone number or other personal details.
As the plaza gets busier, we plan to open more boards for specific topics — travel, food, language, and more.
40th Anniversary Events
Selected certified projects of the 40th anniversary that anyone can watch or join.
Upcoming & ongoing
- Bhutan Seminar Series (FY2026, 20 sessions)A long-running series — now at its 86th session — where participants watch one film about Bhutan and dig deeper with commentary and Q&A. Session 11 traces the history of Bhutan's royal family through a British documentary. In Japanese; register by Nov 6.Online (Zoom), free · Japan Institute for Bhutan Studies (supported by Ochanomizu University) (opens in a new tab)
- 8th Bhutan Goodwill TourThe Japan-Bhutan Friendship Association's eighth goodwill tour, visiting Paro, Thimphu and Punakha to deepen friendships with the people of Bhutan.Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and more · Japan-Bhutan Friendship Association (opens in a new tab)
Past events
5 events · tap to open
- Japan Week in BhutanTwo days celebrating Japanese culture in the capital, brought together by the Embassy of Japan, the Japan Foundation New Delhi and JICA Bhutan.Thimphu, Bhutan · Embassy of Japan, Japan Foundation and JICA (opens in a new tab)
- 40th Anniversary ExhibitionA month-long exhibition bringing together Bhutan's nature and culture with the story of JICA's long cooperation.JICA Global Plaza, Tokyo · JICA (opens in a new tab)
- Film revival: Lunana: A Yak in the ClassroomThe beloved Bhutanese film set in a school in remote Lunana returned to cinemas across Japan as an anniversary project.Cinemas across Japan · Doma (distributor) (opens in a new tab)
- Chado (Way of Tea) events by UrasenkeUrasenke tea masters introduced the Way of Tea at the Royal University and a reception, serving tea to members of the Royal Family and the Prime Minister.Royal University of Bhutan and more · Embassy of Japan in Bhutan (opens in a new tab)
- Japan-Bhutan Business Forum124 people from about 100 companies joined Prime Minister Tobgay's keynote, opening new business ties such as the Gelephu Mindfulness City (report in Japanese).JETRO Hall, Tokyo · JETRO (opens in a new tab)
Follow the anniversary on social media
Watch Bhutan
Videos from the anniversary's certified projects — play them right here.
Bhutan with YouTubers
An official anniversary project by the Tourism Council of Bhutan and the Embassy of Japan: spice-cooking expert Indo Curry-ko and Mumbai-based Mayo travel through Paro, Thimphu and Punakha — fiery home cooking, a climb to a cliffside temple and a hot-stone bath (in Japanese).
【世界一辛い国！？】知られざる秘境ブータンに行ってみた印度カリー子
【ブータン旅】激辛大国の一般家庭のキッチンに潜入印度カリー子
【衝撃】幸せの国ブータンの美食と絶景…！印度カリー子とインド在住Mayoの4日間女子旅【前半】まよ【インド・ムンバイ在住】
【絶景】断崖絶壁の寺…ブータンでガチ登山 ブータン風呂入ってみたまよ【インド・ムンバイ在住】
JICA's Journey in Bhutan
JICA looks back on its long cooperation with Bhutan, released for the anniversary.
【ブータン】ブータンにおけるJICAの歩み：日本・ブータン国交40周年記念JICA 国際協力機構
Frequently asked questions
What is Japan–Bhutan Exchange Plaza?
It is a free, open online forum connecting Japan and Bhutan, where anyone can read and post. It is an official project of the 40th Anniversary of Japan–Bhutan Diplomatic Relations, certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Do I need to sign up to post?
No sign-up or login is needed. A nickname is optional — if you leave it blank, an animal name is given automatically. Anyone from any country or region can post.
Can I join if I don't speak Japanese?
Yes. Posts in English and Japanese are translated automatically by AI, so they can be read in either language on the Japanese and English pages. Just write in your own words.
What is the AI Ambassador?
It is an AI that posts a "topic of the day" on the board to spark conversation. It posts a new topic at 9:00 a.m. Japan time on the morning after someone has written. It never replies to conversations.
When did Japan and Bhutan establish diplomatic relations?
Japan and Bhutan established diplomatic relations on March 28, 1986, marking their 40th anniversary in 2026.
Who runs this site?
The site is run by OFFICE BT.