Over 600 Japanese volunteers have served in Bhutan since 1988 through the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers programme. To mark the programme’s 60th anniversary, a celebration was held at the National Assembly Hall in Thimphu, highlighting decades of global service and 37 years of strong partnership with Bhutan.
The journey of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers or JOCV programme, implemented by JICA, began nearly four decades ago in Bhutan. The volunteers contributed across diverse development sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, sports, waste management, and various technical fields.
“They will serve as citizen ambassadors, promoting Japanese culture in Bhutan. And when they return to Japan, they will also become ambassadors for Bhutan, sharing its culture, values, and even the spirit and ideals of the country with the Japanese people. In this way, they will serve as a bridge of friendship between Bhutan and Japan,” said Yoichiro Kimata, Chief Representative, JICA Bhutan.
Currently, 23 Japanese volunteers are serving across various parts of Bhutan, contributing to capacity building while fostering cultural exchange.
Meanwhile, the JOCV volunteers also shared their experiences and reflections on working in the country.
“When I work in the hospital, I feel a strong sense of connection not only among family members but also among neighbours. In Bhutan, when someone is hospitalised, people are very helpful and supportive. This is not common in Japan. In my experience, when I was in Tokyo, I had no interaction with my next-door neighbours. So, I would like to recommend that we help each other more,” said Ryohei Hachiya, Physiotherapist, Paro District Hospital.
“Bhutan is popular in Japan because it is known as a country of happiness, which made me interested in coming here. After arriving in Bhutan, I realised that I can truly enjoy my life here because of the warmth and generosity of the community that surrounds me,” said Kaori Takashi, Teacher, Pam Primary School, Trashigang.
JICA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the country’s national goals through sustained volunteer exchange and deeper grassroots collaboration.
JICA has dispatched over 57,000 volunteers to 99 countries over the past 60 years.
The 60th anniversary of the programme is celebrated as both a milestone and a reminder that true development happens when people connect, cultures exchange, and friendships endure.
Kinzang Lhadon
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
