As part of Portugal's participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, a vast cultural programme is being developed on Portuguese soil, with activities to strengthen ties between the two countries. In partnership with various national institutions and entities, exhibitions, conferences, film cycles, concerts and other shows will be promoted, providing the public an immersion in Japanese culture and the historical and contemporary relations that unite Portugal and Japan.
This programme kicked off on 30 November 2024 with the shadow theatre 'A viagem do Tenschô' by Japanese artist Beniko Tanaka at Casa Ásia - Coleção Francisco Capelo at the Museu de São Roque in Lisbon. Part of the 36th Música em São Roque season, the theatre tells the story of the first Japanese Christian boys who arrived in Portugal in the 16th century.
The Commissioner-General for Portugal at Expo 2025 Osaka, Joana Gomes Cardoso, attended the event, accompanied by the Ambassador of Japan to Portugal, Oto Makoto, the Provost of Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa, David Lopes, and the young members of the Mundu Nobu Association. During the event, a contest on language and identity was announced, with the winner having the opportunity to travel to Osaka to visit Expo 2025.
The Osaka in Portugal programme will run throughout 2025 and has activities planned in various locations nationwide. This initiative seeks to involve different audiences in the spirit of Expo 2025 Osaka, transforming the event into a shared experience. The aim is to deepen knowledge about Japan and foster an ongoing cultural dialogue between the two nations.
