Lisbon Brings Culture and Innovation to Expo 2025 Osaka

Lisbon will be at Expo 2025 Osaka with the "Lisbon in Osaka" program, which will take place from May 1st to 5th at the Portugal Pavilion. In parallel, the city will host the "Osaka in Lisbon" program, a series of cultural initiatives celebrating Portugal and Japan's historical and cultural ties.

The program was presented on March 26th at the Museum of Design and Fashion (MUDE) in Lisbon, with the presence of Portugal's Minister of Economy, Pedro Reis; Mayor of Lisbon, Carlos Moedas; Japanese Ambassador to Portugal, Ota Makoto; Joana Gomes Cardoso, Commissioner-General of Portugal at Expo 2025 Osaka; and AICEP board member, Francisco Catalão.

Lisbon's participation in Expo 2025 is an invitation from the Portugal Pavilion, recognizing the historic relations dating back to the 16th century.

This initiative is a chance to showcase the city's cultural identity, highlighting innovation, creativity, and contemporary design on a global stage.

Highlights of the "Lisbon in Osaka" Program

The Portugal Pavilion in Osaka's programming will feature several Lisbon-based cultural institutions and emphasize fado and Portuguese guitar through concerts honouring iconic figures such as Carlos Paredes and Amália Rodrigues.

"Return - Carlos Paredes Centenary" (May 1st, 5:00 PM, Pop-Up Inner East Stage)
A tribute to the centenary of guitarist Carlos Paredes, performed by the Alvorada group.
"In the Time of Cherries" (May 5th, 5:00 PM, National Hall Stage)
A concert in honour of Amália Rodrigues, with fado singers Ana Moura, Camané, and Ricardo Ribeiro, accompanied by a fado trio.
Fado Trio (May 2nd to 4th, 5:00 PM, Portugal Pavilion Balcony)
An instrumental journey through the sounds of fado with José Manuel Neto (Portuguese guitar), Pedro Soares (viola), and Daniel Pinto (bass).
Innovation—Lisbon presents its Unicorn Factory, a virtual reality showcase of Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability, Gaming, and Web3 hubs.

In addition to the musical performances, visitors will have the opportunity to experience the artistic installation "Contemporary Lisbon," which reinterprets traditional Namban screens—historical symbols of the relationship between Portugal and Japan. The Unicorn Factory will also develop a virtual reality project highlighting Lisbon's innovation.

Another highlight will be the screening of Daniel Mota's film Lisbon—City of Inspiration in the Ocean Made Room at the Portugal Pavilion from May 1st to 4th. The film offers a poetic and visual perspective on Lisbon and its many facets.

"Osaka in Lisbon": Japanese Culture in the Portuguese Capital

Between the first half of May and the second half of June, Lisbon will host a cultural program celebrating the enduring relationship between the two cultures. The initiatives will include:

Exhibition "Japonism in Bordalo Pinheiro": A partnership between the Bordalo Pinheiro Museum and Casa da Ásia, exploring the influence of Japan on the artist's work.
Japanese Film Cycle: A selection of Japanese films at Cinema São Jorge.
Contemporary Japanese Poetry: Reading sessions at Casa Fernando Pessoa, reflecting on modern Japanese poetry.
Reflection on the "Osaka Chair": MUDE—Museum of Design organized a conversation focusing on the iconic piece of furniture.

The City of Lisbon is partnering with Lisboa Cultura and supported by the Lisbon Tourism Association (ATL) to bring the "Lisbon in Osaka" and "Osaka in Lisbon" programs to life.

With these initiatives, Lisbon reaffirms its position as a global, innovative, and culturally vibrant city, strengthening its ties with Japan and the international community.