August 31: On Friday, Lyonchhen Jigmi Y. Thinley delivered a keynote address on Gross National Happiness in Fukuoka prefecture.

The theme of the address was relevance of GNH paradigm in Japan.

Lyonchhen outlined the four main pillars of GNH and said Japan with its unique culture of discipline and industry, dignity and honour is best suited to imbibe GNH.

The speech was well received and followed by a question and answer session.

A news release from the Prime Minister’s office says that Lyonchhen also met with the governor of Fukuoka and other senior officials and diplomats.

Meeting with the officials, Lyonchhen expressed appreciations of the royal government for the assistance received from Japan.