The legacy of the Expo 2025 Osaka continues to inspire new forms of creativity and cultural exchange in Japan.
On 8 March, a special workshop held at “The Lab.”, in Knowledge Capital at Grand Front Osaka, invited participants to create macramé tapestries using ropes originally used at the Portugal Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.
More than 40 participants joined the session, combining the Portuguese rope with natural reed thread produced from reeds that grow along the Yodo River, near the city of Hirakata. The initiative aimed to give new life to materials used during the Expo while promoting creativity and community engagement.
Each participant created their own macramé tapestry, transforming the rope into a unique handcrafted piece. For many, the activity became a moment to revisit the memories and emotions associated with the Expo and the Portugal Pavilion.
One participant shared: “I was a little nervous to use such precious rope from the Portugal Pavilion. But it was wonderful to actually touch it. I want to attach the tapestry I made to my bag and show it to everyone.”
Several participants also expressed their appreciation for Portugal and their desire to visit the country in the future, highlighting the lasting impact of the Pavilion’s presence at the Expo.
Expo Legacy exhibition
Between 9 and 13 March, visitors were also able to explore an Expo Legacy exhibition at the same venue, where the rope from the Portugal Pavilion was displayed alongside other objects from different Expo pavilions, including materials from the Pakistan Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka and elements from the Earth Mart Pavilion.
The exhibition invited visitors to interact with the objects and reflect on the lasting legacy of Expo 2025 through sustainability, reuse, and cross-cultural dialogue.
New workshop scheduled for 28 March
Due to the strong interest and enthusiastic participation, a new workshop will take place on 28 March, offering visitors another opportunity to create their own macramé pieces using rope from the Portugal Pavilion.
Through initiatives like this, the materials and stories of the Portugal Pavilion continue to connect people, creativity and community — demonstrating how the spirit of Expo lives on beyond the event itself.
