Princess Akiko offers thousand butterlamps in Bhutan for Japan earthquake victims

Princess Akiko of Mikasa, second cousin of Emperor Naruhito, offered a thousand butterlamps — a Buddhist ritual of light — at Tashichhodzong monastery in Thimphu for victims of the July 28 earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. She prayed for the full recovery of affected communities. The offering came during her visit marking 40 years of Japan-Bhutan diplomatic relations.