Press Release

At the invitation of His Majesty the King, Her Imperial Highness (HIH)      Princess Mako of Akishino of Japan will make a Royal Visit to the Kingdom of Bhutan from 1st to 7th of June 2017. Princess Mako, 25, is the daughter of Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko. She is the eldest grandchild of Emperor Akihito (the reigning Emperor of Japan) and Empress Michiko.

HIH Princess Mako’s June 2017 visit to Bhutan is the third visit to Bhutan by a member of the Imperial Family. The first and second royal visits were made by His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito in March 1987, and Their Imperial Highnesses, Prince Akishino and the Princess Kiko Akishino in March 1997.

While in the country, Her Imperial Highness will grace the opening of the 3rd Royal Bhutan Flower Exhibition to be held at the National Memorial Chorten in Thimphu, and visit places of cultural and historical interests.

Bhutan and Japan share long history of close bilateral relations, and the visit will further strengthen the existing ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.