On July 8, 2025, the Qatar Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, hosted a vibrant celebration of Qatar’s National Day, marking a significant moment in the nation’s participation at this global event. Under the theme, “From the Coastline, We Progress,” the pavilion, designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma in collaboration with Qatar Museums, has emerged as a standout attraction, drawing nearly 8,000 visitors in its opening days.
Qatar’s National Day celebration was a highlight of Expo 2025, attended by dignitaries including Minister of Culture, H E Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Thani, and Japan’s Princess Hisako Takamado. The event featured a documentary produced by the Ministry of Culture and traditional performances, such as the Ardah folk dance, showcasing Qatar’s cultural vibrancy.
These activities not only captivated the global audience but also underscored Qatar’s commitment to cultural diplomacy, a cornerstone of its National Vision 2030. The Day showcased the country’s enviable cultural heritage that weaves together centuries of tradition with a vision for the future.
The Qatar Pavilion, located in the Empowering Lives zone on Yumeshima Island, is a masterful blend of Qatari and Japanese craftsmanship. Inspired by traditional Qatari dhow boats and Japanese wood joinery techniques, the structure features a lightweight wooden framework draped in a flowing white fabric, evoking the sails of a dhow. This design symbolises the shared maritime heritage of Qatar and Japan, nations historically connected by the sea as a conduit for trade and cultural exchange. Inside, a multimedia exhibition takes visitors on a multisensory journey through Qatar’s 563km coastline, highlighting its historical significance in pearl diving and trade, as well as its modern advancements in sustainability and innovation.
The pavilion and National Day festivities also reflect the enduring Qatar-Japan partnership, rooted in over 50 years of diplomatic and cultural collaboration, notably marked by the Qatar-Japan 2012 Year of Culture. By presenting themes of hospitality, identity, art, and innovation, the pavilion aligns with Expo 2025’s theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” while promoting Qatar as a global hub for trade, tourism, and sustainable development.
Qatar’s presence at Expo 2025 Osaka is a testament to its ability to bridge tradition and modernity.
