The Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, has carried out a two-day working visit to Tokyo, Japan, to review preparations for World Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai and Horticultural Expo 2027 Yokohama.
As construction on the Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai site advances at full speed and following the beginning of the transfer of Organizer-built pavilions to participants last month, the working visit was an opportunity for the Secretary General to discuss the World Expo’s progress and technical steps with the Organizer and Government ministers.
The Secretary General met with the Minister of Economy Trade and Industry, Ken Saito and the Expo Minister, Hanako Jimi. Meetings were also held with the Commissioner-General of the Expo, Ambassador Koji Haneda, and Secretary General of the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, Hiroyuki Ishige. These discussions focused on preparations and initiatives, including progress on pavilions, logistical arrangements, communications and ticket sales, educational outreach, and sustainable practices.
The working visit also provided an opportunity for the Secretary General to take part in the presentation of Italy’s pavilion at Expo 2025, “The Ideal City”, as part of the Italian village set up in Tokyo on the world tour stop of the historic sailing ship, Nave Amerigo Vespucci. Italy was the first country to start building its pavilion, having taken possession of its plot on the Expo site on Yumeshima on December 19, 2023.
Kerkentzes, stated: “Remarkable progress has been made in the past months. Thanks to the resolute commitment of the Organizer and all participants, ideas and concepts are coming to life on and off the Expo site, as demonstrated by Italy’s beautiful presentation today in Tokyo. Acting together in synergy, Japan and the international community are set to deliver a truly extraordinary Expo that will showcase our collaborative spirit and dedication to a better future for all.”
World Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai will take place on a 155-hectare (383-acre) site on Yumeshima Island between April 13 and October 13, 2025. The Expo will address the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” with its three subthemes being Saving Lives, Empowering Lives and Connecting Lives.
During the visit, the Secretary General of the BIE also discussed the progress on the organization of the next Horticultural Expo, Expo 2027 Yokohama, which is also taking place in Japan. Meetings were held with the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Tetsuo Saito, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Tetsushi Sakamoto and with the Secretary General of the Japan Association for the International Horticultural Expo 2027, Yokohama, Masato Komura. The Secretary General of the BIE was also received by the Mayor of Yokohama, Takeharu Yamanaka, and visited the Expo site, located at the Former Kamiseya Communications Facility.
Horticultural Expo 2027 Yokohama is being held under the theme “Scenery of the Future for Happiness” and will take place between March 19 and September 26, 2027.
