Ukraine celebrated its National Day at EXPO 2025 in Osaka on 5 August, dedicating the event to partners and allies supporting the country, the Ukrainian pavilion team at EXPO 2025 told Ukrainska Pravda.

EXPO 2025 opened in Osaka on April 13 with the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” featuring over 160 countries and organizations until October 13. Japan provided Ukraine free exhibition space.

More than 15 participating countries joined the organization of the event, according to the report. The team continued the main concept of the Ukrainian pavilion “Not For Sale,” which tells about Ukrainian society’s values.

The pavilion added five new exhibits to its “things not for sale” collection under the title “Imported Goods.” These artifacts honor cultural figures and activists from Japan, Great Britain, Germany, and Canada who demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine.

Musician and composer Mariana Klochko presented the “Ode of Gratitude” – a musical composition created specifically for Ukraine’s National Day in collaboration with creative agency Bickerstaff.734. The music combines sounds from allied countries, layering them to create “an image of solidarity’s common sound.” The band ONUKA also performed at the event.

The National Day began with an official opening ceremony attended by over 500 guests. Ukraine received greetings from Japan’s highest government representatives: Yuichiro Koga, State Minister in the Cabinet of Ministers of Japan and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan; Eisuke Mori, Chairman of the Japan-Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship League; and Koji Haneda, General Commissioner of the World Exhibition EXPO 2025 in Japan.

The Czech pavilion hosted a panel discussion titled “Ukraine Unbreakable Classrooms,” organized by the public organization “Osvitoria.” The event focused on learning resilience during wartime and international support for Ukraine’s educational system. The discussion was accompanied by excerpts from the documentary film “Tape of Time” by director Kateryna Gornostay, followed by a performance by the band KAZKA.

An immersive exhibition “Home Beyond the Dawn” opened at the Romanian pavilion under the curation of Natalia Matsenko. The exhibition unites works by over 30 contemporary Ukrainian artists exploring the transformation of the concept of “home” during war.

The Belgian pavilion initiated panel discussions on art and its role in contemporary realities, bringing together Ukrainian female artists who shared their experiences.

The ceremonial conclusion of Ukraine’s National Day featured an official reception with a menu specially developed by Ukrainian chef Yevhen Klopotenko. In solidarity, friendly pavilions illuminated their facades in Ukrainian flag colors and raised yellow and blue flags.

Ukraine’s pavilion “Not For Sale” will continue operating until 13 October.

About world exhibition EXPO

World Exhibitions began in London’s Crystal Palace in 1851, drawing over 6 million visitors to showcase Industrial Revolution achievements. Today they serve as platforms for demonstrating global technological innovations.

This cuts the original from 115 words to 54 words while preserving the essential information: current EXPO dates and theme, participation numbers, Japan’s support for Ukraine, historical context, and the exhibition’s purpose.