The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen and Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko of Mikasa graced a traditional Japanese sweet-making workshop on 11 August 2026.
Two chefs from Kyoto Wakuden, a renown culinary establishment in Japan, showed Her Majesty, Her Imperial Highness, and participants from SELWA, the art of making wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets crafted to reflect the seasons and served alongside tea.
SELWA, a non-profit under the patronage of Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, works with people with disabilities and their caregivers, alongside partner organisations and government agencies, to build a more inclusive Bhutan, with better access to education, growth, and employment for all.
SELWA is working on setting up a café to be run by youth with disabilities, offering them employment, skills training, and a space to connect with the community. Today’s workshop, alongside introducing Japanese culture, opens the door to specialised skills that can find a place in the café’s offerings and similar initiatives ahead.
