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Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional
Artur Lima highlights success of Azorean presence at Expo Osaka 2025
Artur Lima highlights success of Azorean presence at Expo Osaka 2025
Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional
Azores debut programme at Portugal Pavilion of Expo Osaka 2025
Azores debut programme at Portugal Pavilion of Expo Osaka 2025
Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional
"The Azores have many good stories to tell Japan and the world," stresses Artur Lima
"The Azores have many good stories to tell Japan and the world," stresses Artur Lima
August 18, 2025
Artur Lima highlights success of Azorean presence at Expo Osaka 2025
August 15, 2025
Azores debut programme at Portugal Pavilion of Expo Osaka 2025
August 11, 2025
"The Azores have many good stories to tell Japan and the world," stresses Artur Lima
News
Nota de Imprensa
August 18, 2025
Artur Lima highlights success of Azorean presence at Expo Osaka 2025
The Vice-President of the Regional Government stated yesterday that the Azores' presence at Expo Osaka 2025 "was a success, not only for the way its visitors welcomed the Region but also for the enormous potential this event represented in terms of attracting new sources of funding and promoting more specialised and high-quality tourism." After a festive start, the Azorean participation won over the thousands of visitors who came to the Portugal Pavilion every day. According to the government official, "the natural and cultural wealth of the archipelago aroused tremendous curiosity, placing the Azores in the spotlight at this World Expo." During the visit, the Vice-President of the Regional Government also pointed out that "the Azores have demonstrated here their ability to assert themselves in the world, promoting our culture and showing that we are a destination of excellence and world-class quality." On the second day, Artur Lima visited the stands of Portuguese-speaking countries such as Timor, Cape Verde, and São Tomé and Príncipe, and also met with Bernardo Amaral, Director of the Portuguese Pavilion, and Joana Gaspar, Portugal's Deputy Commissioner for Expo Osaka 2025. The Pavilion saw moments of extraordinary dynamism. The afternoon tastings of Azorean products filled the exhibition hall, offering the public an authentic sensory experience. The "viola da terra" (traditional Azorean guitar) was one of the main attractions, especially during the musical performances by Luís Gil Bettencourt and Maria Bettencourt, who quickly drew visitors into the traditional sounds of the Region. The third day confirmed the enthusiastic participation trend. One of the highlights took place on the balcony of the Portugal Pavilion, where Japanese musician Tumi, with a Portuguese guitar, joined Luís Gil Bettencourt and the "viola da terra" to perform "A Casa da Mariquinhas" at sunset. This was an unprecedented experience that symbolised the connection between cultures. The Azores' presence continued until yesterday, August 17, the last of the four days on which the region was represented at Expo Osaka 2025 before thousands of visitors from around the world. Summing up the participation, Artur Lima emphasised: "We are taking a decisive step towards establishing the Azores as a modern region, capable of attracting investment and visitors, and seeking authentic and quality experiences. This presence at Expo Osaka is a calling card that opens doors to the future."
August 18, 2025
Artur Lima highlights success of Azorean presence at Expo Osaka 2025
The Vice-President of the Regional Government stated yesterday that the Azores' presence at Expo Osaka 2025 "was a success, not only for the way its visitors welcomed the Region but also for the enormous potential this event represented in terms of attracting new sources of funding and promoting more specialised and high-quality tourism." After a festive start, the Azorean participation won over the thousands of visitors who came to the Portugal Pavilion every day. According to the government official, "the natural and cultural wealth of the archipelago aroused tremendous curiosity, placing the Azores in the spotlight at this World Expo." During the visit, the Vice-President of the Regional Government also pointed out that "the Azores have demonstrated here their ability to assert themselves in the world, promoting our culture and showing that we are a destination of excellence and world-class quality." On the second day, Artur Lima visited the stands of Portuguese-speaking countries such as Timor, Cape Verde, and São Tomé and Príncipe, and also met with Bernardo Amaral, Director of the Portuguese Pavilion, and Joana Gaspar, Portugal's Deputy Commissioner for Expo Osaka 2025. The Pavilion saw moments of extraordinary dynamism. The afternoon tastings of Azorean products filled the exhibition hall, offering the public an authentic sensory experience. The "viola da terra" (traditional Azorean guitar) was one of the main attractions, especially during the musical performances by Luís Gil Bettencourt and Maria Bettencourt, who quickly drew visitors into the traditional sounds of the Region. The third day confirmed the enthusiastic participation trend. One of the highlights took place on the balcony of the Portugal Pavilion, where Japanese musician Tumi, with a Portuguese guitar, joined Luís Gil Bettencourt and the "viola da terra" to perform "A Casa da Mariquinhas" at sunset. This was an unprecedented experience that symbolised the connection between cultures. The Azores' presence continued until yesterday, August 17, the last of the four days on which the region was represented at Expo Osaka 2025 before thousands of visitors from around the world. Summing up the participation, Artur Lima emphasised: "We are taking a decisive step towards establishing the Azores as a modern region, capable of attracting investment and visitors, and seeking authentic and quality experiences. This presence at Expo Osaka is a calling card that opens doors to the future."
Nota de Imprensa
August 15, 2025
Azores debut programme at Portugal Pavilion of Expo Osaka 2025
Osaka, August 14, 2025 - Thursday marked the beginning of the first of four days entirely dedicated to the Azores at the Portugal Pavilion of the Osaka-Kansai 2025 World Expo. Neither the scorching sun nor the heavy rain that fell on Osaka prevented hundreds of visitors from queuing at the entrance to the exhibition hall, many of them getting to know the archipelago for the first time. The Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, attended the opening of the space dedicated to the Azores, highlighting the importance of the Region being present and fostering this dialogue between nations. "In Osaka, we seek inspiration. This is the stage where more than 160 countries and regions from around the world showcase their identity and share their perspectives on the future. We are also present at Expo 2025 to inspire," he said. The programme provided visitors with a complete sensory experience, from flavours to music. The visitors, mostly Japanese, toasted with regional wines and tasted some of the archipelago's typical delicacies. On the table, handcrafted pieces were carefully admired, and exclamations of amazement were heard when viewing the embroidery, ceramics, teapots, the alcatra bowl, and many other pieces. The "marralhinha" (traditional board game) aroused the curiosity of the little ones, and the typical Corvo locks were handled with fascination, like a puzzle to be solved. The "Viola da Terra" (traditional Azorean guitar), the centrepiece of the exhibition, could also be heard throughout the day, performed by Luís Gil Bettencourt. At several times, he handed it over to the most curious visitors who ventured to strum the instrument. At the end of the day, with Maria Bettencourt, a concert was performed that filled the room with people from various countries trying to sing along to "Olhos Negros" and "Pézinho da Vila," even though they did not speak the language. "The Azores and Japan share a destiny of mutual discovery. The Azores' presence in Osaka is just the beginning of that journey," emphasised Artur Lima. The Region is bringing to Expo Osaka-Kansai 2025 a celebration of the emotional ties between the archipelago and Japan with the theme "Between Hearts." It will be on display until August 17 at the Portugal Pavilion, already considered one of the must-see attractions at this Expo. All updates on the Azores' participation in Expo Osaka 2025 can be found on the official website http://www.azoresexpo2025.pt and on the project's social media pages.
August 15, 2025
Azores debut programme at Portugal Pavilion of Expo Osaka 2025
Osaka, August 14, 2025 - Thursday marked the beginning of the first of four days entirely dedicated to the Azores at the Portugal Pavilion of the Osaka-Kansai 2025 World Expo. Neither the scorching sun nor the heavy rain that fell on Osaka prevented hundreds of visitors from queuing at the entrance to the exhibition hall, many of them getting to know the archipelago for the first time. The Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, attended the opening of the space dedicated to the Azores, highlighting the importance of the Region being present and fostering this dialogue between nations. "In Osaka, we seek inspiration. This is the stage where more than 160 countries and regions from around the world showcase their identity and share their perspectives on the future. We are also present at Expo 2025 to inspire," he said. The programme provided visitors with a complete sensory experience, from flavours to music. The visitors, mostly Japanese, toasted with regional wines and tasted some of the archipelago's typical delicacies. On the table, handcrafted pieces were carefully admired, and exclamations of amazement were heard when viewing the embroidery, ceramics, teapots, the alcatra bowl, and many other pieces. The "marralhinha" (traditional board game) aroused the curiosity of the little ones, and the typical Corvo locks were handled with fascination, like a puzzle to be solved. The "Viola da Terra" (traditional Azorean guitar), the centrepiece of the exhibition, could also be heard throughout the day, performed by Luís Gil Bettencourt. At several times, he handed it over to the most curious visitors who ventured to strum the instrument. At the end of the day, with Maria Bettencourt, a concert was performed that filled the room with people from various countries trying to sing along to "Olhos Negros" and "Pézinho da Vila," even though they did not speak the language. "The Azores and Japan share a destiny of mutual discovery. The Azores' presence in Osaka is just the beginning of that journey," emphasised Artur Lima. The Region is bringing to Expo Osaka-Kansai 2025 a celebration of the emotional ties between the archipelago and Japan with the theme "Between Hearts." It will be on display until August 17 at the Portugal Pavilion, already considered one of the must-see attractions at this Expo. All updates on the Azores' participation in Expo Osaka 2025 can be found on the official website http://www.azoresexpo2025.pt and on the project's social media pages.