(Bandar Seri Begawan, 9th) The Brunei delegation recently held a grand National Day celebration at the 2025 Osaka Expo, attracting participation from Japanese officials, international guests, and tourists from various countries.
The event kicked off with a flag-raising ceremony for both Brunei and Japan, accompanied by the playing of both national anthems. Mr. Shigetoshi Ikeyama, Deputy Chief Executive of the 2025 Expo, and Dr. Hjh May Faezah binti Hj Ahmad Ariffin, Permanent Secretary (Economy, Trade & Industry) at Brunei's Ministry of Finance and Economy, delivered speeches in succession, highlighting that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1984, the two countries have built a close and trustworthy partnership in areas such as energy cooperation, infrastructure, maritime security, education, and energy transition. They further strengthened their friendship through youth exchanges, academic cooperation, and cultural understanding.
The highlight of the celebration was the “Senandung Darussalam” cultural troupe performance, organized by Brunei's Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, which showcased the traditional artistic beauty from palaces to fishing villages, from indigenous longhouses to folk festivities, displaying the elegance and diversity of Brunei's culture.
The Brunei delegation also visited the on-site biogas plant at the Japan Pavilion. This facility transforms organic waste generated by the Expo into energy, enabling the pavilion to achieve self-sufficiency and demonstrating the practical results of the circular economy.
Attendees included members of the Japanese House of Representatives, such as Shinji Wakayama from the Japan-Brunei Friendship Association, Acting Chargé d'Affaires Pg An'mir at the Brunei Embassy in Tokyo, as well as senior Japanese officials and representatives from the 2025 Expo Japan Association.
The 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo will be held from April 13 to October 13, with the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives." The Brunei Pavilion is located in Public Pavilion F, with its entrance arch inspired by the "Indera Buana" ceremonial hall at the royal palace, made of birch veneer and incorporating sacred geometric shapes from Islamic architecture, symbolizing the enduring strength of Brunei's culture and values. Since its opening, the Brunei Pavilion has attracted about 693,000 visitors.