The main theme of Expo 2025 Osaka is ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives.’ The exhibition will be about shaping a world where major challenges relating to such matters as climate change and health will determine our quality of life. The question at the heart of the Osaka Expo is: ‘What is the happy way of life?’.

The Netherlands and Japan celebrating 425 years of relations in 2025

Japan is a major trading partner for the Netherlands, and the two countries have special historical ties. For nearly 240 years in the 17th and 18th centuries, the Netherlands was the only European country allowed to trade directly with Japan. In 2025, the year in which Expo Osaka will be held, we will celebrate 425 years of relations.

Japan is one of the largest economies in the world. In 2021 the Netherlands exported goods worth €4.3 billion to Japan. Opportunities for Dutch businesses and knowledge institutions are mainly to be found in agrifood and horticulture, life sciences and health, the energy transition, sustainability, the creative industries and digitalisation/high tech. More than 600 Japanese businesses together have a total of over 800 branches in the Netherlands.

Japan is also a focus country for international cultural cooperation. Japan has a long cultural tradition, in which heritage, arts and crafts have intrinsic value. But the relationship between the two countries is marked not only by their historical ties and the quality of their cultural expressions, but also by Japan’s interest in the Netherlands’ innovative and unconventional approach to major issues like demographic ageing, urbanisation, sustainability and social inclusion. Exchanges and initiatives in the arts, culture, sports and social activities are therefore encouraged.

The Netherlands’ participation

An Expo is an international podium on which countries can present themselves to the world. The impact of the Netherlands’ participation will extend far beyond Japan, since many visitors are expected from other countries in East Asia, including South Korea, China and Taiwan.

The Netherlands wants to provide a platform during Expo 2025 Osaka to bring different perspectives and expertise together and come up with joint solutions. The pavilion and visitor experience will be unique, and will showcase innovative and sustainable solutions to worldwide challenges.

Launch of tender for the design and construction of the pavilion

The European tender (in Dutch)  for the design, construction, maintenance and dismantling of the Netherlands Pavilion and visitor experience was launched via www.tenderned.nl (in Dutch) on 21 September 2022. Interested consortia could submit their proposal until 5 December 2022 (13.00 CET). The winning design and the Netherlands’ participation are expected to be presented in the spring of 2023.

Organisation

A project team comprising staff members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (BZ), the Dutch consulate-general in Osaka, the Dutch embassy in Tokyo and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) is responsible for organising the Netherlands’ participation. The team will work with the business community, knowledge institutions, cultural organisations and other government authorities on both activities and the programme. If you have any questions or want more information, please send an email.

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