On August 13, the Japanese city of Sakai will be at the Portugal Pavilion to promote its rich history and culture. This initiative highlights the Portuguese influence on the development of Sakai’s traditional industries, strengthening the historical bonds between the two regions.
During the event, panels will be displayed illustrating the historical and cultural connections between Sakai and Portugal, alongside exhibits of replica firearms and Sakai-forged blades. Promotional videos about the city will also be available, as well as information about local tourism and the World Heritage Site “Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group,” the heritage site closest to the Expo venue.
Visitors to the Pavilion will also have the chance to taste konpeitō, a traditional Japanese sugar candy provided by Osaka Toka Co., Ltd. (Konpeitō Museum), including varieties made with Madeira wine, which were previously offered on Portugal National Day, May 5.
The partnership highlights Sakai’s historical importance as an international trading hub during the medieval period, especially for the production of firearms introduced by Portugal, and its cultural legacy, such as the detailed documentation of the tea ceremony by Portuguese missionary João Rodrigues.
This collaboration also recalls Expo ’70 in Osaka, when Portuguese artist Jorge Vieira donated the artwork “Encontro Oriente-Ocidente” to Sakai City. Today, the sculpture is installed in Ebisu Park (Xavier Park), symbolising the connection between Portugal and Sakai.
During the event, panels will be displayed illustrating the historical and cultural connections between Sakai and Portugal, alongside exhibits of replica firearms and Sakai-forged blades. Promotional videos about the city will also be available, as well as information about local tourism and the World Heritage Site “Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group,” the heritage site closest to the Expo venue.
Visitors to the Pavilion will also have the chance to taste konpeitō, a traditional Japanese sugar candy provided by Osaka Toka Co., Ltd. (Konpeitō Museum), including varieties made with Madeira wine, which were previously offered on Portugal National Day, May 5.
The partnership highlights Sakai’s historical importance as an international trading hub during the medieval period, especially for the production of firearms introduced by Portugal, and its cultural legacy, such as the detailed documentation of the tea ceremony by Portuguese missionary João Rodrigues.
This collaboration also recalls Expo ’70 in Osaka, when Portuguese artist Jorge Vieira donated the artwork “Encontro Oriente-Ocidente” to Sakai City. Today, the sculpture is installed in Ebisu Park (Xavier Park), symbolising the connection between Portugal and Sakai.
