Osaka: At the behest of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, His Highness Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said led the Omani delegation at the National Day celebration of the Sultanate of Oman Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, earlier today.
His Highness was welcomed upon arrival by Yoshitaka Ito, Minister for the 2025 World Expo, alongside senior Japanese government officials.
HH Sayyid Bilarab signed the Expo 2025 Osaka VIP guestbook and attended a ceremony held in his honor at the Yumeshimanaka Hall, where he participated in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
The event opened with the raising of the Omani flag in the expo’s main square and the playing of the Royal Anthem of the Sultanate of Oman and the National Anthem of Japan, underscoring the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.
In his address, Minister Yoshitaka Ito highlighted the enduring relationship between Oman and Japan, noting their shared history and ongoing bilateral cooperation. He emphasized the significance of the Oman Pavilion’s theme, "Earth, Water, and Humanity," which showcases a vision of future society living in harmony with nature. Minister Ito expressed his hope that the Expo would help share Oman’s unique appeal with Japan and the world.
Sayyid Said bin Sultan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth for Culture and Commissioner-General of the Oman Pavilion, emphasized that Oman’s participation reflects the nation’s achievements during its ongoing renaissance—a period marked by extending ties with diverse cultures, inspired by a history of tolerance and civilizational exchange. He noted that Oman’s spirit of interaction stems from water, earth, and humanity, enabling its people to share their identity, culture, and values of peace while embracing global cultures.
He further explained that the National Day ceremony symbolizes Oman’s deep connections to these elements and emphasizes the importance of intercultural communication. The design of the Oman Pavilion, he added, is a result of the creativity of Omani youth—a winning project from the HH Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Award for Architectural Design, which encourages innovation and connects Omani architectural identity with future aspirations.
“Through the Expo, Oman celebrates its culture and builds bridges of communication with the world,” he said. “The Pavilion offers an interactive, informative, and welcoming space where visitors can connect with the themes of earth, water, and humanity, and explore our shared commitment to harmonious coexistence with nature.”
The ceremony featured a musical performance by the Royal Cavalry Music Band, including their specially composed Expo 2025 piece, as well as traditional Omani melodies. The program also included a piece from the Japanese animated fantasy film “Always With Me”.
Traditional Omani folk arts—including Al Azi, Al Razha, and Al Midan—were staged, along with a sign language performance expressing national belonging.
His Highness then toured the Oman Pavilion, beginning with the Water Corridor, which connects the interior exhibition halls with the exterior space and features curated inscriptions from Omani and Japanese heritage on water culture.
In the Earth and Water Hall, HH Sayyid Bilarab viewed an audiovisual presentation depicting the origins of natural life in Oman through the interaction of water and earth, showcasing the nation’s diverse flora and fauna.
The ceremony concluded with an exchange of commemorative gifts, including a presentation to His Highness from the Japanese government by Minister Ito.
This event is part of a broader program of over thirty activities organized by Oman throughout its participation in Expo Osaka 2025, aimed at introducing the country’s history, culture, and initiatives in sustainability, energy, and innovation.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials from Oman, Japan, and other friendly nations.
Later, HH Sayyid Bilarab and his delegation visited the Japan Pavilion, where they were received by Director Noriyuki Kuroda. His Highness was briefed on the pavilion’s design and explored its sections dedicated to earth, farming, and industry, gaining insight into Japan’s cultural and technological identity.
Before departing, HH Sayyid Bilarab signed the Japan Pavilion’s VIP guestbook.
The Oman Pavilion has welcomed around one million visitors to date, who have experienced its narrative of continuity and sustainability through immersive and historical exhibits.
The Pavilion continues to host cultural and artistic events, including traditional fashion displays with contemporary elements, highlighting Oman’s national identity and fostering cultural dialogue with Japanese and international visitors.
Aligned with Oman Vision 2040, the Pavilion emphasizes six key themes: communication and interaction, tourism, investment opportunities, cultural identity, international relations, and corporate collaboration.
Oman’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka represents a significant opportunity to promote cultural and technological exchange, showcase the nation’s civilizational and economic progress, and celebrate its rich historical heritage.
