“Royal visit reinforces Bhutan–Japan friendship and showcases Bhutan’s cultural heritage and development vision”
(Thimphu, 26 September 2025): Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince Fumihito of Akishino and Prince Hisahito, of Japan visited the Bhutan Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan on 25th September 2025, emphasizing the enduring friendship and cooperation between Bhutan and Japan. The visit offered their Imperial Highnesses a unique opportunity to experience Bhutan’s cultural heritage and innovative development philosophy.
During the visit, the royal guests were introduced to the Pavilion’s national theme, “Saving Lives for a Happy Future,” inspired by Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH) and expressed through five components: a Happy Future and the four pillars of GNH, Good Governance, Cultural Preservation, Environmental Conservation, and Sustainable Socio-Economic Development. The presentation guided them through storytelling exhibits, visual displays, and cultural installations depicting Bhutan’s landscapes, cuisine, and royal history. It also included miniature dioramas of Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) and a traditional Bhutanese house, as well as cultural items such as traditional attire (Gho and Kira) and everyday objects, including koma (ornamental clasps), palang (alcohol barrel), and dapa (wooden bowls).
“Welcoming Their Imperial Highnesses to the Bhutan Pavilion is a profound moment. It reflects the enduring friendship between Bhutan and Japan and our shared hopes for a future built on compassion, respect, and sustainability. Through this Pavilion, we open a window into our country’s heart, its values, culture, and aspirations, and we are deeply honoured to share this with Their Imperial Highnesses and with the world,” said Damcho Rinzin, Director, Department of Tourism.
“The visit by the Imperial Highnesses is a meaningful recognition of Bhutan’s presence at Expo 2025. It reflects the deep respect and goodwill between Bhutan and Japan and highlights the importance of continued engagement between the two countries. We are grateful for this opportunity as it brings further visibility to Bhutan’s development efforts and the values, we are proud to share with the global community,” said Sonam Tshering Dorji, Director, Department of Trade.
Bhutan’s participation in Expo 2025 is spearheaded by the Department of Trade, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE), in collaboration with key government agencies like the Department of Tourism
More than 158 countries, regions, and international organisations are participating in the Expo, featuring cutting-edge innovations, exhibits, and knowledge-sharing sessions aimed at bringing together diverse perspectives, fostering collaboration, and generating innovative solutions to address global challenges. Over 28 million visitors are expected during the event, and to date, the Bhutan Pavilion has welcomed 3.3 million visitors, averaging around 14,000 per day since the start of the Expo.
The Bhutan Pavilion is located at Commons-D and is open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. We warmly welcome all visitors to experience Bhutan and its values, development philosophy, and aspirations with the global community. The Expo will run until 13 October 2025 at Yumeshima, Osaka, Japan.
For more information about the World Osaka Expo, visit this LINK
