Portugal and Japan sail together towards new opportunities
Ocean, Blue Dialogue is the theme of Portugal’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, which runs from April 13 to October 13 in Japan.
Portugal will present a participation based on two pillars: culture and economy, with a diversified program that includes events, artistic performances and economic seminars. Ricardo Arroja, president of AICEP, highlighted the potential of this international presence: “This is an opportunity to strengthen ties with Japan and increase Portugal’s visibility throughout Asia.”
Expo 2025 Osaka will be attended by 161 countries and 7 international organizations, with around 28 million visitors expected. It will be held on Yumeshima, an artificial island built especially for the event. Portugal’s participation focuses on Sustainable Development Goals 7 (clean and affordable energy) and 14 (protection of marine life), underlining the country’s commitment to sustainability and the oceans.
“Portugal is a country with a strong maritime identity. We have jurisdiction over almost half of the European Union’s marine waters. Our presence at Expo will be anchored in these values, in a balance between tradition and modernity,” said Ricardo Arroja.
The main objectives of the Portuguese presence include strengthening international awareness, encouraging visits and investment in Portugal, promoting the Blue Economy, and recognizing national creative talent.
The program will include highlights such as the inauguration, Portugal Day (May 5), June 10, and the closing ceremony. On the cultural side, performances by artists such as Ana Moura, Camané, Dino d’Santiago, and Carminho have already been confirmed.
Blue Economy, innovation and talent in the spotlight
The economic program will cover strategic areas such as renewable energies, marine biotechnology, fishing, logistics and transport. At the same time, four thematic seminars will be held in Tokyo, focusing on Mobility (May 2), Life Sciences (July 1), Defense (August 8) and the Blue Economy (September 24).
“Portugal is now a benchmark in environmental protection, with an integrated approach to sustainable development,” said Arroja. “Expo Osaka opens up a sea of opportunities to strengthen Portuguese-Japanese cooperation.”
Currently, around a thousand Portuguese companies export to Japan, which in 2024 was the 31st largest customer for Portuguese goods. One of the main objectives of Portugal’s participation is precisely to consolidate and expand this relationship.
Carlos Abade emphasized the strategic value of the event for national tourism: “Expo is a showcase for Portuguese culture, heritage, literature and gastronomy in one of the most important source markets in the world”.
A building that celebrates the ocean and Portuguese identity
The 1836 m² Portugal Pavilion is located next to the Japanese pavilion and was designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma. The structure is made up of 9972 suspended ropes, weighing more than 60 tons, evoking the movement of waves.
Inside, there is a store with products from 25 Portuguese companies, with a total of 243 references. Commissioner-general Joana Gomes Cardoso estimates the space will welcome around 1.2 million visitors: “We’re confident with the preparations on the ground and the receptivity already shown.”
