Osaka, Japan – World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai and Japan continue to welcome guests from around the world with around 160 countries and seven international organizations introducing the pavilion. Countries celebrate national day during the six-month event. Kazakhstan’s turn came on August 10th.
The mornings in Osaka began with Kazakh music. The celebration began with a parade led by Strongman and four-time world recorder Sergei Tsillunikov carrying the national flag, joined by Kazakh warriors (Batil) and orchestras. This performance attracted a large crowd along the Grand Ring, the main wooden structure of the exposition surrounding all the pavilions that represent unity between nations.
The delegation headed for the real yurt. There, the re-enactment and performance of the Battle of Folk Instruments was immersed in the country’s nomadic history.
In Kazakhstan’s case, the date coincides with the 180th anniversary of Kazafe philosopher and thinker Abai Knanbaily, whose influence spreads across the Central Asian region.
Ahman Shakkariev, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Trade and Integration, said, “Abai’s idea still speaks to us today. “Making his anniversary in Japan shows how deeply our values are.”
When culture sings together
At the opening ceremony, the audience heard more than Kazakh’s melody. The highlight is a performance of the Japanese folk song Sakura by the Salmado Orchestra, a rare Kazakh string instrument.
After the concert, there was a moving moment. Despite the rain, Japanese visitors gathered outside the hall to sing the Kazakh national anthem.
“I dreamed of listening to Kazakh music live,” said Lina Kawamoto of Fukuoka.
We met guests from all over Japan, including fans of Dimash Kudaibergen who hope to visit Kazakhstan one day.
“I can’t travel to Kazakhstan so I came here from Fukuoka and experienced Kazakh culture. I see people here from so many countries.
The final concert queue
Kazakhstan’s National Day culminated with a major performance. Despite the rain, a procession formed outside the shining hat venue hours before the door opened. By the evening, about 3,000 people had gathered.
Birlik Dance Ensemble (meaning “unity”) cried out loud. The ensemble, which brought together performers from all over Kazakhstan’s many ethnic groups, was a fitting symbol of the day.
The program featured the works of famous composers Nurgisa Tlendiev, Karshyga Akhmedyarov, Latif Khamidi and Yevgeny Brusilovsky.
Kazakhstan Pavilion is approaching 1 million visitors
The Kazakhstan Pavilion is one of the most popular attractions at the Expo, and is expected to welcome one million guests this month. Both locals and tourists are depicted in a rich showcase of Kazakh history and culture.
At its heart is Alem (Astana Life Ex-Situ Machine), an innovation in organ transplantation that preserves donor organs and allows treatment before surgery.
“Our pavilion is more than an exhibition,” said the Kazakhstan general committee member of the World Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan and Dault Yerkimbayev. “It’s a conversation with all the guests. I wanted to show that legacy and innovation are not conflicted. They’re two aspects of the same story.”
The Kazakh Pavilion offers rich and exciting experiences, from the traditional Kazakh lifestyle to the most advanced medical innovations. These exhibits capture the spirit of the expo theme and design future society for our lives by allowing visitors to connect with Kazakhstan and cooperate with future society, said Kato Akino, deputy minister of Japan’s economy, trade and industry parliament.
“I have been participating in the Osaka and Kansai exhibitions since the bidding stage and have been privileged to visit the 2017 Astana Expo as executive director of the 2025 Japan World Expo Bidding Committee.
Sweet encounters at the pavilion
At the pavilion we also met Polyglot Yuji Beleza, known for his love for Travel Blogger and Kazakh Chocolate. He gained popularity online with videos of serving Kazakh chocolate bars around the world.
“This pavilion really shows the heart of Kazakhstan,” Yuzi said. “It’s not only beautiful, it’s interactive. It gives you a sense of culture, hospitality and you can see the country’s innovation all in one place.”
Future Almaty – Tokyo direct flight
According to Minister Shakkaliyev, the day closed with an eye on the future. Since 1991, Kazakhstan and Japan have built strong partnerships in trade, investment, science, education and environmental protection. This new route is set to bring both countries even closer.
