Qatar is set to highlight its vision for “Bridging Cultures, Shaping Futures” at the Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, joining fellow GCC nations and over 150 countries in a six-month showcase of innovation, cultural exchange, and future-oriented initiatives.
The Expo, themed “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” will take place from April 13 to October 13 at Yumeshima Island, aiming to foster connections and address global challenges.
Other GCC participants include Kuwait with its “Visionary Lighthouse” theme, Oman centering on “Earth, Water and Humanity”, and Saudi Arabia focusing on “Together For A Better Future”.
Apart from the participating countries, Japanese Ambassador Naoto Hisajima said the Expo will also host nine international organisations and will offer visitors a glimpse into cutting-edge technologies, services, and systems that anticipate the future.
Organisers hope the Expo will serve as a platform for the exchange of diverse values, encouraging new connections and creations that can help overcome global challenges and safeguard human life.
The Expo will feature “Signature Pavillions” led by prominent figures in various fields, providing visitors with opportunities to explore and update their understanding of life.
Some of the highlights include “Earth Mart: Cycle of Lives” by Koyama Kundo, focusing on food and global resources, and the “Playground of Life: Jellyfish Pavillion” by Nakajima Sachiko, aiming to transform learning and creation.
Hisajima anticipates strong participation from the Middle East, particularly Qatar, and a high number of visitors from the region. Japan has seen a surge in visitors from Qatar in recent years, according to Japan’s Immigration Control Statistics, Ministry of Justice.
After a dip during the pandemic in 2022 (334 persons), Qatari nationals visiting Japan for short-term stays rebounded to 3,239 in 2023, marking an approximate 30% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019 (2,495 persons). Visa issuances to non-Qataris travelling to Japan have also seen an increase.
Qatar also witnessed increased interest from Japanese nationals: while numbers peaked at 22,545 in 2022, likely due to the World Cup, 2024 saw a notable increase to 17,188 visitors, up from 13,020 in 2023.
Hisajima underlined the strengthening ties between Qatar and Japan, citing increased air links as a key factor: “Last year, Japan Airlines launched a direct flight between Tokyo and Doha, while Qatar Airways resumed direct flights between Osaka and Doha.
He noted an agreement between aeronautical authorities to expand entry points into Japan and increase the number of airports where cargo flights from Qatar can operate. Qatar Airways is expected to double its flights to Tokyo within the year.
“These connections are great for boosting tourism and enhancing people-to-people exchanges,” Hisajima said.
To further promote the Expo, organisers introduced "Myaku-Myaku," the event’s official character – a mysterious creature representing continuous growth and the fusion of cells and water. This transformable character embodies endless possibilities and symbolises the enduring aspects of humanity.
Japanese ambassador Naoto Hisajima
