Kuwait shines on National Day at Expo 2025

By Miyoko Ishigami OSAKA, June 19 (KUNA) -- Kuwait took center stage at Expo 2025 Osaka, western Japan, on Thursday with a National Day celebration that featured the country's heritage and modernity, as well as regional and international roles.
The special day opened with a parade of Kuwaiti participants dressed in traditional dresses that marched in front of the crowd.
At an official ceremony following the parade, Japanese Minister in charge of the World Expo 2025 Yoshitaka Ito spoke highly of the Kuwait-Japan relations in a speech, saying, "Relations and exchanges between our countries date back to before the Independence of Kuwait in 1961, and Japan has received a stable supply of crude oil from Kuwait for many years." Ito also shed the light on a history of exchanges between Japan's imperial family and Kuwait's royal family, which has led to the development of friendship of the two countries.
"We are friends that have supported one another in challenging times throughout history," said Ito.
The minister also underlined that during the visit by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah to Japan last month, His Highness and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba agreed to upgrade bilateral relationships to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership For his part. Commissioner General of the Kuwaiti Pavilion Salem Al-Watyan stressed in his speech that Kuwait's participation in Expo Osaka stands as a testament to the vision of a nation that believes in dialogue, openness, and cooperation.
"The pavilion offers visitors an interactive journey that is visual, cultural, and technological. It showcases Kuwait's experience in the fields of education, energy, water, and the green economy, and highlights our humanitarian and relief efforts, as well as our role as a bridge of communication between people and cultures," Al-Watyan noted.
The official ceremony, which was also attended by Kuwaiti Ambassador to Japan Sami Al-Zamanan, concluded with traditional and dynamic performances by the Kuwaiti folklore groups and children. The invited guests also visited the Kuwaiti pavilion exhibition later in the day, where they experienced a unique journey connecting the past and the future, and enjoyed a music concert by the Kuwaiti folklore troupe.
Meantime, the parade and ceremony captured many ordinary Japanese audiences.
Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) following the ceremony, a mother and daughter in their 30s and 60s said, "We came to see Kuwait's National Day ceremony because we had a great time at the Kuwaiti pavilion. The show was great and we could feel Kuwait's culture and diversity." A married couple in their 40s said, "The children's smiles were wonderful and made us feel happy. We would like to visit the Kuwaiti pavilion." Located in the Empowering Lives zone of Expo 2025, the Kuwaiti pavilion is nicknamed "Visionary Lighthouse," features a rich cultural display that blends authentic Kuwaiti heritage with modern elements.
Having first participated in Expo Osaka in 1970, Kuwait returns 55 years later with a pavilion that emphasizes the country's expanding influence in regional and international development.
Under the theme of "Designing Future Society for our Lives," the participants from 158 countries and regions, as well as seven international organizations, showcase their cultures and technologies in the six-month event through October 13 on the artificial island of Yumeshima in Osaka Bay.
According to the Japan Association, about 28.2 million people are expected to visit the Expo. (end) mk.gta