Europe Day: A Celebration of Unity and Creativity at Expo 2025 Osaka

On 9 May 2025, the European Union (EU) marked Europe Day at Expo 2025 Osaka with a vibrant, day-long celebration of unity, creativity and shared values. The day brought together visitors from across the world to explore Europe’s cultural richness and its enduring partnership with Japan.

The official opening ceremony took place in the National Day Hall ‘Ray Garden’, attended by the EU and EU Member State  ambassadors  to Japan. European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maroš Šefčovič, was the guest of honour and  gave a speech highlighting the depth of the EU-Japan relationship: "This close partnership with Japan is founded on shared values such as human rights, freedom and democracy, and on common interests like multilateralism and a fair, open world trade system”.

Japan’s State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Yuichiro Koga, also addressed the ceremony, reaffirming Japan's commitment to strengthening ties with the EU.

Celebrating Europe with the public: Music, stories and shared experiences

Throughout the day, the Expo grounds came alive with the sounds and stories of Europe. Children and families gathered at the Jellyfish Pavilion for Tales from Europe, a series of storytelling sessions and hands-on workshops that inspired curiosity, imagination and joy. At the same time, the EU Stamp Rally offered visitors a playful way to explore EU Member State pavilions, with a small reward awaiting those who visited at least three.

In the afternoon, the European Union Youth Orchestra Brass Quintet took audiences on a musical journey through Europe. An ensemble of young musicians performed across Member State pavilions — from Slovenia to France — sharing Europe’s creative energy and spirit of collaboration with Expo visitors.

In the afternoon, focus returned to the National Day Hall, which had transformed into a stage for artistic exchange between Europe and Japan. The immersive Pianographique performance by Maki Namekawa and Cori O’Lan opened the afternoon with a poetic blend of piano and real-time visuals. This was followed by Breath, a dance performance by Gloria Benedikt exploring the emotional and physical dimensions of human connection. As the sun set, the audience experienced a high-energy Back2Back DJ set by Krikor Kouchian and MAYUDEPTH, whose beats and visuals electrified the crowd.

To conclude the day, several EU Member State pavilions joined the EU in lighting up their façades in EU blue, a striking tribute to peace, unity and the shared values that underpin the European project.

In the weeks ahead, the EU at Expo 2025 Osaka will continue to connect with visitors through a wide-ranging cultural programme of concerts, film screenings, talks and design exhibitions, all showcasing the richness, creativity and diversity of Europe.

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