"The Azores have many good stories to tell Japan and the world," stresses Artur Lima
Osaka, Japan
Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional
The Autonomous Region of the Azores will be present at the Osaka-Kansai 2025 World Expo in Japan from August 14 to 17. The Azores will be represented in the Portuguese Pavilion with the theme "Between Hearts," evoking the emotional and cultural ties between two distant archipelagos united by the ocean.
"It is with united hearts that we will set off for Osaka and take a little of our culture, our history and our people to Japan," stated the Vice-President of the Regional Government.
Artur Lima also pointed out that this will be the first time that the Azores will have their own space at a World Expo abroad, emphasising the importance of this moment for the international recognition of the Region.
The Azorean participation is based on four main themes: the sea and its preservation, the land and the common traits between island territories, culture, and the future of cooperation between peoples. These pillars reflect challenges and opportunities shared between Japan and the Azores.
Over four days, the Azores will be the setting for an immersive experience designed to promote cultural exchange as well as establish economic and commercial opportunities.
There will be an exhibition of traditional crafts representing the nine islands of the archipelago, with the 'Viola da Terra' (traditional Azorean guitar) at its heart, symbolising the concept of "Between Hearts."
The programme includes various initiatives, including live musical performances featuring the "Viola da Terra," screenings of documentaries by regional filmmakers about life and the sea in the Azores, and tastings of regional products, where each flavour is an extension of the landscape.
"The Azores have many good stories to tell Japan and the world," emphasised the Vice-President.
"We are pioneers in marine conservation, we are a destination of excellence, and we are increasingly projecting ourselves as an attractive archipelago for investment and research in absolutely strategic sectors such as the sea and space," he said.
"We will take our regional identity to Osaka. We are confident that we will return with new prospects for cooperation and investment," stressed Artur Lima.
The Azores will be among the more than 160 countries and regions present at this Expo, which is being held under the motto "Designing the Future Society for Our Lives." The Portuguese Pavilion, with the theme "Ocean: Blue Dialogue," has already exceeded 1.2 million visitors since the exhibition opened on April 13. Over four days, it will also host the Region's unique contribution on this global stage.
All updates on the programme and Azorean presence can be followed on the website www.azoresexpo2025.pt and the respective social media channels.
