The Romania Pavilion within Expo 2025 Osaka welcomed over 981,500 international visitors over 184 days, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) reported.

The programme, held under the theme 'Romania - Land of Tomorrow,' gathered more than 760 Romanian artists, craftsmen, students, teachers and researchers, according to the MAE release.

Among the high-ranking officials who visited Romania's Pavilion were Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado, the Governor of Osaka Prefecture, Hirofumi Yoshimura, as well as the Minister for Expo 2025 Osaka and for Consumer Protection and Food Safety, Ito Yoshitaka.

The Romanian Pavilion was also honoured by the visit of Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), Hiroyuki Ishige, Secretary General of Expo 2025 Japan, Kazuhiko Koshikawa, Commissioner-General of the International Horticultural Exhibition 2027 Yokohama, former Japanese Ambassador to Romania Ueda Hiroshi and Yamada Masakazu, Vice President of the Osaka City Council.

High-level visits also included that of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Dorin Recean and a delegation led by Taras Kachka, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Andrii Sybiha and Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture Oleksii Sobolev.

The highlight of Romania's presence at Expo 2025 Osaka was the celebration of Romania's National Day on 26 June. The artistic programme featured a performance by the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Gabriel Bebeselea.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania (CCIR), in partnership with the Romanian Pavilion, organised an economic forum under the theme 'A Roadmap for the Next Decade.' The event brought together over 150 Romanian and Japanese experts and officials, local authorities, civil society representatives and entrepreneurs.

Moreover, an academic collaboration agreement was also signed between the University of Hyogo (Japan) and Transilvania University of Brasov (Romania), in the presence of academic authorities from both countries.

A special moment of cultural diplomacy was marked by Romania's donation to the National Museum of Ethnology in Osaka (Minpaku), consisting of authentic pieces of traditional Romanian folk costume.

'The Romanian Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka showcased projects representative of the country's scientific excellence and innovative research spirit. Under the concept 'Romania - Land of Innovation and Research', the Japanese public discovered cutting-edge achievements of Romania's institutions and research centres, reflecting our country's ability to generate technological solutions with global impact,' the MAE conveyed.

On the economic front, the Romanian Pavilion hosted 12 relevant events and welcomed over 150 Romanian businesspeople, along with six economic delegations, promoting bilateral cooperation and Romanian-Japanese investment opportunities.

A special highlight was the participation of the 'Radu Stanca' National Theatre Sibiu, which staged the play 'Electra' directed by Mihai Maniutiu, on the National Day Hall stage within the Expo 2025 Osaka, in front of more than 500 Japanese spectators.

'The audience was captivated by the recital of pianist Horia Mihail, the gala concert 'Stars of the Romanian Opera in Osaka' performed by the Bucharest National Opera Orchestra, as well as by the remarkable performances of the Violoncelissimo Chamber Ensemble, the George Enescu Philharmonic and the Madrigal National Choir - all symbols of Romanian artistic excellence,' the Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentioned.

Romanian visual artists and craftsmen offered visitors 'unique experiences' through interactive workshops and both permanent and temporary art exhibitions.

'The series of artistic events concluded on a spectacular note, with the energy and originality of contemporary percussion performances by Zoli Toth and the Young Beats - Cantus Mundi ensemble, offering the Japanese audience a unique, dynamic and innovative experience,' according to the release.

Cultural diversity was also showcased through the Romanian Pavilion's Restaurant, which promoted traditional Romanian cuisine and local products, hosting over 60,000 guests.

The activities of the Romanian Pavilion were supported by the Honorary Consulate of Romania in Osaka.

The entire activity of public diplomacy carried out within the Romanian Pavilion was coordinated by the Commissioner General of the Romanian Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Ferdinand Nagy. AGERPRES(RO - writing by: Irinela Visan; EN - writing by: Rodica State)