Taoiseach Micheál Martin is currently at Expo 25 in Osaka, Japan—an extraordinary global exhibition showcasing the forefront of technology and industry, anticipated to draw 28 million visitors over a six-month period.
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With participation from 150 countries, Ireland’s multi-million euro pavilion is centered around the theme “Creativity Connects People.” As the Taoiseach engages with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo, the focus remains on strengthening trade ties, enhancing bilateral relations, and addressing cybersecurity advancements.
The overarching theme for Expo 25, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” reflects a commitment to innovation and collaboration.
World exhibitions have a rich history that dates back to 1851, showcasing groundbreaking moments like the first telephone demonstration and live TV broadcasts. They’ve also given rise to iconic structures, including the Eiffel Tower.
Set on a dedicated 155-hectare site in Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay, Expo 25 is designed with an elevated circular walkway known as the Grand Roof, which envelopes three distinct districts.
Ireland’s pavilion is positioned in the Empowering Lives section, where various exhibits illustrate the transformative power of creativity in addressing global challenges. As the Taoiseach reflects, “Creativity has the potential to empower individuals and communities alike.”
Irish participation in Expo 25 has amounted to over €16 million in investment over the past three years, with nearly €7 million specifically allocated to the pavilion. Tánaiste Simon Harris has pointed out that joining Expo 25 offers “an excellent platform for public diplomacy for Ireland, especially since we remain relatively unknown among the broader Japanese public.”
The design of the Irish pavilion, located conveniently near the main entrance, marries Irish timber with Japanese building materials, forming an abstract Celtic spiral, or triskele—a motif with origins in Neolithic Ireland, often found at sacred sites like Newgrange.
Crafted from Irish-grown Douglas fir timber provided by Coillte, the pavilion echoes the wood of the nearby Grand Roof, forging connections between Irish and Japanese craftsmanship. Outside, a monumental sculpture by Joseph Walsh is gracefully set within a landscape designed by Hiroyuki Tsujii, the custodian of the famed Karasaki Pine Tree.
Within the pavilion’s VIP space on the first floor, specially framed prints from the “Kwaidan Project” adorn the walls. This cultural collaboration features artworks by 40 Irish and Japanese artists, inspired by Lafcadio Hearn’s literary masterpiece ‘Kwaidan.’
In the words of Taoiseach Martin, “This pavilion is not just a showcase; it is a bridge connecting cultures and fostering understanding through creativity.”
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
