Governor of Osaka Prefecture Hirofumi Yoshimura paid an official visit to the Romania's Pavilion at Expo 2025 on Sunday, where he was welcomed by Commissioner General of the Romanian Section Ferdinand Nagy, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE).

According to MAE, the Romanian commissioner presented the governor the exhibition concept 'Romania, Land of Tomorrow' and guided him through the immersive experience 'Tradition and Technology' - a symbolic journey that begins in the era of the Cucuteni culture and leads to the present day, highlighting Romanian innovations in areas such as cutting-edge technology, medical robotics and applied research in life-saving solutions.

'During the visit, the Japanese official particularly appreciated the musical duet performed by Dr Botond Szocs, lecturer at Transilvania University of Brasov, on piano, and Carina Catarama, a student at the Faculty of Music at the same university, on the pan flute. The guest then visited the exhibition 'Hemp - Back to the Future', curated by architect Teodor Frolu and Dr Florica Zaharia, emeritus conservator at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, along with the permanent and temporary exhibitions hosted by the Romanian Pavilion. These included: egg shell sculptures by artist Cristina Prisacariu, the painting project 'Bucovina, Blue Project' by artist Roland Pangratti, works by painter Rodica Benitendi, and the watercolour exhibition 'Flower Glow' by Loredana Popescu Tariceanu,' the source informs.

The official also watched live demonstrations in the arts and crafts area, presented by Victor Vulpe, world vice-champion in shoe design and production (London, 2023).

'Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura particularly appreciated the interactive and creative nature of the Romanian Pavilion, elements that have contributed to its becoming one of the most appreciated pavilions among visitors. In this context, he congratulated Romania on its success at the exhibition and voiced confidence that Romania's national participation will significantly contribute to strengthening bilateral relations between Romania and Japan,' MAE showed.

In turn, Commissioner General Ferdinand Nagy thanked the Governor of Osaka Prefecture for his visit and expressed deep appreciation for the consistent efforts of the local Osaka government and Japanese authorities in organising the event.

'We are honoured by this visit, a sign of appreciation for Romania's presence at Expo 2025 Osaka, confirming the openness and friendship that bind our peoples, and recognising the efforts of our team to present the international public with an authentic, innovative and dynamic image of Romania. We are delighted that, in this international context dedicated to dialogue and cooperation, we have been able to share a part of Romania's culture, traditions and craftsmanship, as well as the innovations shaping our future,' said Ferdinand Nagy, as quoted in the release. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Roberto Stan; EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu)