The World Exhibition EXPO in Osaka, Japan, will feature cutting-edge technologies and innovations,
providing a valuable chance for collaboration between Czech and Japanese companies. Given that Japan is the second-largest investor in the Czech Republic, with around 280 Japanese firms thriving there, this event holds significant potential. We explored these subjects in a conversation with the Japanese Ambassador to Prague, Mr. Kansuke NAGAOKA.
Your Excellency, in 2025, the world EXPO will take place in Osaka, Japan. Is Osaka ready and what are the expectations of the exhibitors?
Less than 200 days until the opening of EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan! The first Universal Exposition after the COVID-19 pandemic starts on April 13, 2025.
Preparation of EXPO is steadily progressing. For instance, the Grand Ring, the symbol of the EXPO 2025 site and one of the largest wooden structures in the world with a 2km “Skywalk”, is already ready to welcome visitors. The construction of participating countries’ impressive pavilions is moving forward.
One hundred and sixty-one countries and regions have confirmed their participation, and EXPO 2025 will welcome 28 million visitors in the period of 6 months. For each and every participating country, EXPO will provide an ideal opportunity to introduce its unique culture, technology and business to all over the world.
The world business community is facing multifaceted challenges today; the disruption of the supply chain, world health issues, climate change and many more. We must change our society to effectively address these unprecedented challenges. The key for our success in this endeavor lies in new technologies and innovations. EXPO 2025 will showcase such innovative technologies. We are thrilled to see many people, not just touch and feel them, but also exchange new ideas on how to make the most of them with other visitors.
The Czech Republic is also participating in the exhibition in its own pavilion. What can participation in the exhibition bring to Czech companies and what business opportunities does Japan offer?
Japan, the third largest economy in the world with a population of 130 million, can offer various business opportunities for Czech companies. For instance, thanks to the Japan-EU EPA, Czech export to the Japanese market has increased by 70% during the 5 years since its coming into effect. Some Czech companies have already been successful in Japan, using their advanced technology. And the Japanese government is now trying to encourage further foreign direct investment to Japan. Thus, EXPO will provide important opportunities for Czech companies and businesspeople to introduce their products and to get in touch with their Japanese business partners.
During the 6 months of EXPO 2025, we will organize several “Theme Weeks” focusing on different global issues, such as mobility and health. A lot of conferences, business meetings and matching events relating
to these themes are being planned at the EXPO site, as well as in other areas of Japan. Innovative technology, by which these issues are addressed, can also generate great business opportunities, and we hope many Czech companies, especially small and medium- sized ones and start-ups, will aggressively take advantage of these events.
The cultural exchange between our countries is very successful. Can you recall important milestones and events?
It is rather difficult to pick up some specific milestones and events, as there are so many events to enjoy Japanese cultures in this country. Though I came here just 5 months ago, I have already been amazed how favorably the Japanese culture is accepted by the Czech people in many places. Many Czech people, young and old, are seriously studying traditional culture such as the tea ceremony and Ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement), as well as different martial arts. More modern culture, including manga and anime, attract many people, especially those of the younger generation, and this is why visitors to Brno AnimeFest have been growing over the past 20 years. Furthermore, sports have become a major driving force to promote our mutual understanding. For instance, at the World Baseball Classic last year, the Czech national baseball team impressed Japanese fans with their sincere attitude to and love of baseball, even though they were amateurs. Also, at the Paris Olympics Haruka KITAGUCHI, a javelin thrower, who has been training in the Czech Republic, won the gold medal, which was widely reported both in Japan and in the Czech Republic.
Many Japanese investors operate in the Czech Republic. Where do you see new areas of new investment and economic cooperation?
Japan and the Czech Republic are valuable partners that share their fundamental values, like democracy and human rights. Our relations spanning more than 100 years is marked by support and a long tradition of friendship.
Japan has been the second biggest investing country in the Czech Republic and as many as 280 Japanese companies are successfully operating throughout the country. Many of them work in the automobile industry, one of the major industries in the Czech Republic. In recent years, however, we see a trend of investments in the field of environmentally friendly products, such as heat pumps and recyclable packaging materials. These products are produced in line with EU regulations and are highly competitive in the EU market and beyond.
Thank you for the interview.
