On the Commencement of EXPO 2025 – A Message from the Ambassador
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japanhas started on April 13 for six months. Under the main theme “Designing the future society for our lives" it will serve as a platform for jointly creating the future with 158 participating countries and regions, including Serbia.
As we face serious challenge of division in many areas, the main focus of the Expo will be on our lives. That is why Japan Pavillion will present how life exists in connection with other lives, and the fact that life exists in a cycle of destruction and regeneration. This is actually a traditional way of thinking in Japan, and we are hoping that it will evoke a sense of empathy among people around the world.
Goals of Osaka Expo is to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs as well as Society 5.0. Society 5.0, a society that comes after information society, is "a human-centered society in which economic development and the resolution of social issues are compatible with each other through a highly integrated system of cyberspace and physical space."
It will demonstrate key technologies important for achieving this concept, such as bio-manufacturing, AI-equipped humanoid robots, electric buses that charge while driving, living heart model using iPS cells and artificial photosynthesis, to name a few.
Moreover, eight theme weeks will be held focusing on such areas as biodiversity, health and well-being, future of communities and mobility, food and daily life. Visitors will also be able to enjoy performance of Japanese traditional dance and martial arts, super-Kabuki theater as well as manga and J-pop concerts.
We highly appreciate Serbia’s contribution to Osaka through its pavilion which will present “Floating Forest” concept which embodies the Society 5.0 vision, blending Serbia’s rich cultural heritage with urban design inspired by the natural beauty of Great War Island in Belgrade. The highlight for Serbia will be September 15, its National Day in Osaka Expo, when the entire focus will be on its achievements and future vision. Osaka Expo is also significant for Serbia as it immediately precedes Expo 2027 Belgrade. That is why Serbian pavillion will showcase elements of playfulness, reflecting the upcoming Expo 2027 Belgrade theme “PLAY for HUMANITY.” I hope Serbia’s experience in Osaka will give useful insights for Expo in 2027.
Osaka Expo will be a great opportunity for enhancing Japan-Serbia relations, as well. We are looking forward to multiple visits of high-level Serbian delegations to promote our relationship including business cooperation through those opportunities that Osaka Expo is ready to offer, such as business conferences and matching events, off-site exhibitions, and startup pitch events.
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan will bring together wisdom from all around the world to address the global challenges we are facing. Serbia’s participation will be a valuable contribution to this joint effort. I hope as many people from Serbia as possible will visit Osaka to experience the future society we will be jointly creating.