Next year, the world is likely to be amazed by everything the upcoming Expo will have to offer. Just like in 1970, it will be hosted by the city of Osaka in Japan. This global event was the focus of our discussion with Japanese Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Kansuke Nagaoka.
Will the upcoming exhibition have any parallels with Expo 2025?
Since the very first Expo in the mid-19th century, all the events have always been an important opportunity to showcase the advanced technologies available at the time. In this particular regard, we see a great parallel between the Expo in 1970 and the upcoming one in 2025. Although the social and economic conditions in Japan and the rest of the world have dramatically changed, both fairs serve as a showcase of technologies that can help us solve societal problems and challenges, such as the issue of an aging population. To overcome these, we need to combine our wisdom to achieve a sustainable socio-economic system, which has been selected as one of the key themes of Expo 2025.
Among these will certainly be the use of robots and artificial intelligence. What will Japan, which has historically been at the forefront of technological progress, present?
At the Osaka and Kansai Expo, we will transform the venue into a “living lab for people” and showcase new technologies and systems. For example, biometrics and cashless payment systems will be widely used, and artificial intelligence will provide visitors with simultaneous translations in 13 languages. In one section, there will be advanced aerial mobility, or flying cars, operating between two designated points. And that’s just a few examples. In addition to many projects involving Japanese companies, you will also be able to admire unique technologies in the pavilions of the participating countries. I expect that many Czech companies will attract visitors with their advanced and excellent technologies.
Japan was awarded the hosting role in 2018, and in January 2019, the Japan Association for the 2025 2orld Exposition was founded. Did the COVID-19 pandemic have any impact on the philosophy of the upcoming exhibition?
The main theme of Expo 2025, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” was actually decided long before COVID affected our lives. Nevertheless, the pandemic had a significant impact on how we organize the Expo more concretely in line with the main theme. The unprecedented scale and damage caused by the pandemic raised fundamental questions for humanity: how do we define (or redefine) the values of life, and how can we lead better lives - not only materially but also in terms of spiritual well-being? And so we came up with eight thematic projects aimed at bringing creative ideas to address these and other questions, such as the quest for the totality of life, embracing life, amplifying life, and more.
How will Japan‘s „Society 5.0“ strategy affect or is it already affecting people‘s lives?
It is a vision of the future society that Japan should strive to create following the eras of the hunter-gatherer society (Society 1.0), agricultural society (2.0), industrial society (3.0), and information society (4.0). We define Society 5.0 as a human-centered society in which economic development and solving social problems are compatible, thanks to a highly integrated system of cyberspace and physical space. In such a society, we can sustainably and resiliently tackle various threats, as well as unpredictable and uncertain situations, to ensure the safety and security of the population and help each individual achieve diverse well-being. To realize this new concept, we are involved in a number of smart city projects, both in Japan and other countries.
Returning to Expo 2025, can visitors also look forward to cultural or entertainment events?
The short answer is yes. There will be many stages throughout the venue with numerous cultural events, such as music, art, anime, or fashion. So far, 161 countries and regions have confirmed their participation, and visitors will be able to enjoy their rich and unique cultures in the individual pavilions. This certainly applies to the Czech pavilion as well. We are already very much looking forward to it, not only to the unique structure using Czech glass and wood, but also to the many cultural events that will be held inside the theater. Art can express emotions and enthusiasm without using language, and supporting cultural exchanges must be one of the important roles Expo plays.
A large number of visitors are expected. Have any major infrastructure upgrades been necessary?
In the first half of 2024, approximately 6.45 million foreign tourists visited the Osaka area, a record number. Osaka already has the capacity to accommodate a huge number of tourists, and we will take additional steps to make their stay as comfortable as possible, as we expect nearly 28 million visitors during the six months of the Expo. For example, in January, we will open the new Yumeshima subway station, closest to the Expo site, two months earlier than originally planned. In addition, Kansai Airport will be expanded, and access roads to the main highway leading to the Expo site will be built. Some existing hotels are being renovated and expanded, and we also expect several new large hotels to open.
You assumed the post of Ambassador of Japan to the Czech Republic this March. How well did you know our country before you arrived?
Since joining the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1989, I have mainly dealt with relations with Middle Eastern countries, and I have only been marginally involved in Japan-Czech relations or relations with other Central European countries. So, since my appointment as ambassador to your beautiful country, I have read many books on Czech history, culture, economics, politics, and other topics, and I have also tried to learn about these matters from former Japanese ambassadors and scholars. I am still learning, and will continue to do so. Living in your country and talking to people brings me much joy in learning. There are many fascinating things in Czechia.
How do you feel about the development of Czech-Japanese relations?
Since the Velvet Revolution, bilateral relations between Japan and the Czech Republic have developed very well and steadily in the political, economic, and cultural spheres. Politically, both countries have been strategic partners for many years, and this partnership has never been more important than it is today, as we face serious security challenges. In the economic and trade fields, the number of Japanese companies investing in Czechia has reached 280, covering a wide range of activities. Since the Japan-EU economic partnership agreement came into effect, trade volume between the two countries has increased by 70 percent in both imports and exports, and we expect further growth in the coming years. In terms of cultural exchange, events in Czechia that showcase Japanese culture are always well attended, with some participants displaying fantastic performances in Aikido, the tea ceremony, Ikebana, and other activities. I am confident that our bilateral relations will continue to develop, and the participation of the Czech Republic in Expo 2025 will push them even further.
EXPO 2025
The world exhibition will be held from April 13 to October 13, 2025, for the second time in Osaka, and for the third time in Japan.
Its main theme is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”
The host country aims to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the realization of Japan’s national strategy, Society 5.0.
So far, 161 countries and regions have confirmed their participation.
Ambassadors include prominent Japanese artists and academics.
The new architectural symbol will be the Grand Ring, the world’s largest wooden structure with a two-kilometer-long Skywalk, which represents the Expo site’s design philosophy of Unity in Diversity.
The official website is expo2025.or.jp
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