Japan’s 12 Year Old Prince Hisahito Arrived In Bhutan With Parents On His First Overseas Trip

The Imperial Family is in Bhutan upon the invitation of His Majesty The King.

By Staff Reporter 

Their Imperial Highnesses - the Crown Prince and Princess Akishino of Japan have arrived in Bhutan today on a 10-day private visit, along with their son, His Imperial Highness Prince Hisahito.

The Imperial Family were received by Their Royal Highnesses - Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, Princess Dechen Yangzom Wangchuck, and Princess Eeuphelma Choden Wangchuck at the Paro International Airport.

Photo: Facebook/His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck 

Strong ties between Japan and Bhutan

The Imperial Family is in Bhutan upon the invitation of His Majesty The King. Japan has maintained a close relationship with Bhutan since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1986.

Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko travelled to the country in 1997, while the king of Bhutan visited Japan as a state guest in 2011. In 2017, Princess Mako, the elder sister of Prince Hisahito also paid an official visit to Bhutan.

It is the first overseas trip for Prince Hisahito, a 12-year-old junior high school student, who became second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne following his uncle, Emperor Naruhito’s enthronement in May.

After receiving a warm welcome from members of the Bhutanese royal family at the airport, the three met with officials of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and visited a national museum.

Source: ANN News

“Could a major earthquake occur?” Prince Hisahito asked when the JICA officials were giving a briefing on earthquake activities in Bhutan.

Crown Prince Akishino also asked the officials about their lives in the country known as the ‘Land of Happiness’.

“When you are with the Bhutanese people, in what situation do you feel happy?”

Activities scheduled for the visit

The family will meet His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck over lunch on 19 Aug in the capital, Thimphu, according to the Imperial Household Agency in Tokyo.

Bhutan is the only country in the world that has archery as its official national sport. 

Source: Youtube/World Archery 

They will watch a demonstration of dha (archery), Bhutan’s national sport on Tuesday. Visits to temples and museums are also scheduled during their stay before they return to Japan on 15 Aug.

The Imperial Family will receive an Audience with His Majesty The King during their visit, which also includes visits to monasteries and places of cultural importance in Bhutan.