EVENT | Discover Bhutan, the "Land of Happiness," at "Bhutan Week"
Lounge
February 2, 2015

EVENT | Discover Bhutan, the "Land of Happiness," at "Bhutan Week"


EVENT | Discover Bhutan, the "Land of Happiness"


Social Contribution Activity "BHUTAN in BHUTAN" - First Initiative

"Nihonbashi Machi Daigaku Shiru Cafe Bhutan Week" Held at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store


Experience the culture of Bhutan, the "Land of Happiness," at "Nihonbashi Machi Daigaku Shiru Cafe Bhutan Week," held from March 26 (Wed) to 31 (Mon) at the Central Hall on the 1st floor of the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store. The event will feature various activities and the sale of "Bhutan Bento."


Text by YANAKA Tomomi




Sale of "Bhutan Bento" Supervised by KOU Kentetsu and Handicrafts


The social contribution activity "BHUTAN in BHUTAN" was launched in 2012 when the "Thalayana Foundation," established in 2003 by Her Majesty Gyalyum Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, former Queen of Bhutan, and the Japanese social welfare organization "Butsuden" formed a partnership based on a shared philosophy of supporting the vulnerable. This event, "Nihonbashi Machi Daigaku Shiru Cafe Bhutan Week," marks the first initiative of this project.

The venue will offer a limited sale of "Bhutan Bento," supervised by culinary researcher KOU Kentetsu. Having learned cooking in Bhutanese households, KOU Kentetsu developed recipes that faithfully capture local flavors, presented in bamboo containers made in Bhutan.



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Also featured are original products such as bamboo cups, matcha bowls, and small plates, collaboratively created by art director Kazuya Takaoka and product designer Keita Suzuki after traveling 2,000 kilometers across Bhutan to visit local artisans. Handicrafts like traditional bamboo dustpans, long cherished in Bhutanese rural villages, will also be available. These items offer a glimpse into Bhutan's warm and inviting culture.



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Additionally, there will be an exhibition and sale of photographs of Bhutan by photographer Nao Tsuda, and a "Bhutan Cafe" produced by Yuko Anda, owner of the popular gyoza restaurant "Anda Gyoza" in Yoyogi-Uehara, who has researched regional cuisine across Bhutan. Visitors can savor Bhutan-inspired butter tea, pancakes, and ice cream.



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© Nao Tsuda Courtesy of Taka Ishii Gallery Photography/ Film.


Bhutan Week also includes various events, such as live performances by musicians visiting from Bhutan for the opening ceremony on Friday, March 28th. The event promises to be an opportunity to reflect on the "true richness" that arises from a life rooted in the land, something that may be fading from modern Japanese life.



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"Nihonbashi Machi Daigaku Shiru Cafe Bhutan Week"
Dates | March 26 (Wed) - 31 (Mon)
Hours | 10:00 - 19:30
*Opening Ceremony: March 28 (Fri) 11:00 - 12:00
Venue | Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, 1st Floor Central Hall
1-4-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-3241-3311
http://www.bhutaninbhutan.com