Mako gives Bhutan’s royal couple more reason to smile

THIMPHU, Bhutan--Princess Mako met June 2 with Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and was told by Queen Jetsun Pema that she had brought a fresh ray of sunshine to the Himalayan kingdom, often called "the land of happiness."

At a ceremony held later to mark the start of "Japan Week 2017," Mako noted that the king and queen were the first state guests to Japan following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster.

Recalling that the royal couple visited Fukushima Prefecture, site of a triple meltdown at a nuclear power plant, and met with disaster victims, Mako said the king's comments at that time "were an encouragement to the people in the affected areas and remain in the hearts of the Japanese people."

Mako, 25, also attended a private luncheon at the royal palace hosted by the king.

She wore a yellow kimono with embroidered pine trees, plum blossoms and chrysanthemums for her visit to the Tashichho Dzong, which houses both government agencies and a Buddhist monastery, to pay a courtesy call on Bhutan's royal couple.

The meeting was a private affair. According to a member of Mako's official entourage, Wangchuck expressed his happiness at being able to welcome Mako to his nation.

Queen Jetsun Pema touched upon the fact that the weather in Bhutan had improved from immediately before Mako's arrival on June 1 and said that she had brought the sun to Bhutan.

In response, Mako passed on a message from Emperor Akihito in which he expressed his hope that the goodwill between Japan and Bhutan would further progress on the occasion of the Royal Bhutan Flower Exhibition that is now under way.

The two countries marked the 30th anniversary of their diplomatic relations last year.

Japan Week 2017 is an event co-sponsored by the Japanese Embassy to introduce various aspects of Japanese culture to Bhutan.

She wore an aquamarine kimono for the opening ceremony at a Thimphu hotel that was attended by Princess Eeuphelma Choden Wangchuck, 23, a younger sister of the king, and 90 or so Bhutanese government officials.

Mako, speaking in English, said, "I hope that this event will provide an opportunity for the people of Bhutan to feel close to Japan."

During her speech, Mako mentioned the 1997 visit to Bhutan by her parents, Prince Fumihito and Princess Kiko, and said, "the strong impression I gained of the national flag with its dragon, the beautiful traditional costumes and the smiles of the people led me to hope that I would have the chance to visit Bhutan myself some day."

Mako, the oldest of Emperor Akihito's four grandchildren, is expected to become engaged to a commoner soon.