The China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo took center stage on Friday, captivating over 400 attendees with a vibrant blend of traditional culture and cutting-edge technology during China Pavilion Day.
Visitors from around the world, including representatives from China and Japan and delegates from various national pavilions and friendship organizations, gathered to experience the immersive showcase.
A highlight of the event was a spectacular cultural performance titled “Colorful China, Shaping the Future Together.” Performers from Shaanxi Province enthralled the audience with classical instrument performances, dynamic martial arts displays, and breathtaking acrobatics.
The pavilion’s exhibits presented a forward-looking vision rooted in China’s ecological philosophy and civilizational values, resonating with visitors across different sectors.
Yoji Muto, Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, praised the pavilion for its innovative fusion of heritage and modernity. “It creatively combines tradition and innovation, illustrating the long history of China-Japan relations,” he remarked. “I hope this presentation deepens understanding of China among people in Japan and around the world.”
Masayoshi Matsumoto, chairman of the Kansai Economic Federation, noted that the pavilion offers a comprehensive view of China’s culture, history, and advanced technology. “It helps visitors understand China’s dynamic development,” he said.
Hiroshi Moriyama, secretary-general of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party, expressed hope that more visitors would explore the pavilion. “Experiencing China’s rich heritage and modern vitality firsthand is invaluable,” he commented.
A standout feature for many guests was the corridor connecting the pavilion’s two floors. One side features animated Chinese ink paintings, while the other displays wooden reliefs capturing iconic moments in China-Japan cultural exchange. From the friendship of Abe no Nakamaro and Li Bai to the arrival of pandas Kang Kang and Lan Lan, joint efforts in ibis conservation, and the symbolic pairing of Sun Wukong with Astro Boy, the displays underscore China’s values of harmony and neighborliness.
Michiko Ogawa, executive director at Panasonic Holdings, was particularly moved by the corridor’s artistic storytelling. “It reflects the deep, multi-layered ties between our two countries,” she said.
Akio Aoyagi, president of the Osaka Japan-China Friendship Association, praised the pavilion’s vivid visuals and soundscape. “It made the messages memorable. Though I’ve been to China many times, this reminded me how much more there is to learn. I hope exchanges like this continue to grow,” he shared.
Morita, a visitor from Hyogo Prefecture, found the pavilion to be one of her favorites. “It’s large, beautifully designed, and rich in content—definitely worth visiting,” she said.
The Osaka Expo, running from April 13 to October 13 and themed “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” features the China Pavilion as one of the largest foreign self-built pavilions. Covering approximately 3,500 square meters and inspired by traditional Chinese calligraphy scrolls, the pavilion embodies the theme “Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature, Future Society of Green Development.”
