On 29 April 2025, a Celebration of Wales took place at UK Pavilion at Expo 2025, Osaka as part of the Year of Wales and Japan 2025.
Thousands of visitors experienced an immersive showcase of Welsh culture - the sights, sounds and tastes of Wales in a celebration of creativity and innovation – with performances of music and dance, samples of Welsh food and drink and special commissions of Welsh craft to celebrate the connection between our two nations.
Expo visitors also had the unique opportunity to collect a special set of Eki stamps featuring the Draig Goch, representing a variety of connections between the two nations, from the mountains of Fuji and Eryri to the twinned castles of Himeji and Conwy. They were created by renowned Welsh illustrator Jonathan Edwards.
Performances by musicians from Calan, Taff Rapids, and NoGood Boyo and dance troupe Qwerin took place outside the Pavilion, drawing in crowds to celebrate the cultural tapestry of Wales. Urdd youth ambassador and Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama student, Owain Rowlands, performed a specially commissioned version of the traditional Japanese song, Furusato, and joined Tim Rhys-Evans (RWCMD musical director) as he led the Japanese crowds in a sing-along of Calon Lân. Mistar Urdd also made an appearance alongside Expo 2025 mascot Myaku-Myaku.
Each digital display at the Wales showcase will be Powered by Raspberry Pi; the pocket-sized, revolutionary computing device, that’s manufactured at the Sony UK Technology Centre in Wales. The showcase also featured key messaging around Wales Wales' commitment to sustainable innovation and the National Forest of Wales, to coincide with the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act.
Croeso and Castles
The Visit Wales travel trade team celebrated the Year of Croeso visiting Himeji and Osaka in Japan, building new connections and strengthening established relationships as part of the Year of Wales and Japan.
They were delighted to take part in VisitBritain’s UK Tourism Day at Expo 2025 Osaka where they connected with key members of the Japanese travel trade. Together with partners North Wales Tourism and Celtic English Academy, they showcased everything that makes Wales a must-visit destination.
The Visit Wales travel trade team also visited the beautiful Himeji castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) twinned with our own WHS Conwy castle, and were privileged to meet with representatives of the City of Himeji’s International Exchange Centre including Director Masahiko Yokota.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans took part in an MOU renewal ceremony between Himeji Castle and Conwy Castle in April.
