CBS, in collaboration with MoESD and JICA, is hosting a commemorative symposium on
Bhutan-Japan 40th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations: Bhutan-Hamada City & Ama Town Cooperation and Exchange Commemorative Symposium
Friday, 9 October 2026
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Registration starts from 2:30PM)
Zhichenkhar, Center for Bhutan & GNH Studies
We warmly invite you to join us for the symposium.
Register Now: https://forms.gle/4dagGz57gp8CNgZA6
For more than 40 years, Bhutan and Japan’s Shimane Prefecture have built a unique partnership through exchanges in traditional handmade paper, arts education, project-based learning, and community development. Among the key drivers of this longstanding relationship are Hamada City and Ama Town, whose people-to-people exchanges and collaborative initiatives with Bhutan continue to thrive today.
This symposium will welcome the Mayor of Ama Town and the Mayor of Hamada City, who will share their experiences and vision for collaboration with Bhutan. Together with representatives from CBS and MoESD, participants will reflect on past achievements and explore new opportunities for future co-creation.
Join us as we discuss how education, youth development, and vibrant local communities can help build happier and more sustainable societies in Bhutan and Japan.
About the Speakers:
Mr. Kazuhiko Ohe
Mayor, Ama Town, Shimane Prefecture, Japan
Kazuhiko Ohe has served as Mayor of Ama Town since 2018 and was re-elected in 2026. Born and raised in Ama Town, he spent more than three decades in the town government, where he led initiatives in industrial development, local entrepreneurship, and regional revitalization. He played a key role in creating new industries and promoting local products, helping Ama Town become one of Japan’s leading examples of community-driven rural development. Today, he continues to advance the town’s vision based on the principles of independence, challenge, and exchange.
Mr. Hiroki Miura
Mayor, Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture, Japan
Hiroki Miura is the Mayor of Hamada City, elected in 2025. A graduate of Waseda University, he has built a diverse career in parliamentary service, nonprofit management, and regional development. Prior to becoming mayor, he served two terms as a member of the Hamada City Council and held leadership roles in organizations dedicated to local revitalization. As mayor, he is committed to strengthening local communities and creating new opportunities for sustainable regional growth.
Mr. Karma Wangdi
Chief Research Officer, Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS), Thimphu, Bhutan
Karma Wangdi is the Chief Research Officer at the Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS). He is one of Bhutan’s leading researchers on Gross National Happiness (GNH) and wellbeing, having coordinated the nationwide GNH Surveys conducted in 2010, 2015, and 2022. Through his research and publications, he has contributed significantly to the development of evidence-based approaches to wellbeing, sustainable development, and public policy in Bhutan.
Mr. Norbu Wangchuk
Curriculum Specialist, Officiating Dean for CSCD, Department of School Education, Ministry of Education and Skills Development, Bhutan
Norbu Wangchuk is Curriculum Specialist at the Ministry of Education and Skills Development with more than 30 years of experience in education. His career has included roles as a teacher, school leader, district education officer, Chief programme Officer, and curriculum developer. He currently leads curriculum development of the National School Curriculum (all subjects) and plays a key role in aligning Bhutan’s national school curriculum with international standards while maintaining its unique national identity and educational priorities.
About the Moderator:
Mr. Yoichiro Kimata
Chief Representative, JICA Bhutan Office
Yoichiro Kimata has served as Chief Representative of the JICA Bhutan Office since January 2025. Since joining JICA in 1997, he has worked in governance and local administration in developing countries, including assignments in Thailand and Tanzania. He has also worked with local governments in Japan, bringing experience in both international development and regional revitalization to promote mutually beneficial partnerships between Bhutan and Japan.