Bhutan and Japan celebrated decades of friendship and collaboration as the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) programme marked its 60th anniversary with a special event at the National Assembly Hall in Thimphu. The occasion highlighted the enduring partnership between the two nations, strengthened over 37 years of dedicated service by Japanese volunteers in Bhutan.
Since 1988, more than 600 Japanese volunteers have served in Bhutan through the JOCV programme, implemented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Their contributions span diverse sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, sports, waste management, and technical development. Currently, 23 volunteers are working across the country, focusing on capacity building and grassroots development.
Speaking at the event, Yoichiro Kimata, JICA Bhutan’s Chief Representative, described the volunteers as “citizen ambassadors” who help build cultural bridges between the two countries.
“They promote Japanese culture in Bhutan, and when they return to Japan, they carry Bhutan’s values, traditions, and spirit back with them,” Kimata said. “They serve as a bridge of friendship between our two nations.”
Stories of Friendship and Cultural Exchange
Many volunteers shared heartfelt reflections on their time in Bhutan, describing how the experience has changed their perspective on community and happiness.
Ryohei Hachiya, a physiotherapist at Paro District Hospital, said he was deeply moved by Bhutan’s strong sense of community. “In Bhutan, when someone is hospitalised, neighbours and family members are very supportive. This is not common in Japan. In Tokyo, I barely interacted with my neighbours. Bhutan has taught me the importance of helping each other.”
Kaori Takashi, a teacher at Pam Primary School in Trashigang, echoed this sentiment. “Bhutan is well-known in Japan as a ‘country of happiness,’ and I wanted to experience it myself. After coming here, I realised that the real happiness comes from the warmth and generosity of the people.”
A Global Effort for Grassroots Development
The JOCV programme, now six decades old, has dispatched more than 57,000 volunteers to 99 countries, making it one of the largest volunteer initiatives in the world. For Bhutan, the programme has been an important part of its development story, supporting national goals while fostering cross-cultural understanding.
The anniversary celebration served as a reminder that development is not just about technology or infrastructure but about people connecting across borders. As JICA reaffirmed its commitment to Bhutan, the event underscored a shared vision: building a future where friendships and cultural exchange remain at the heart of progress.
