Years of Culture
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2025/05/19
Over the decades, Qatar has actively participated in World Expos, from Plovdiv 1991 to hosting Expo 2023 Doha. Qatar has always embraced these occasions to tell its story, exchange ideas and share its ambitious development goals. In Osaka, the Qatari exhibition space continues this legacy through a distinctive architectural and curatorial experience, designed to inspire, educate, and connect.
Set on Yumeshima Island in Osaka Bay, the theme of Expo 2025 is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” With over 150 participating nations, the international exposition is an opportunity for countries and international organisations to present their visions for a more sustainable, connected, and inclusive world.
The event site is divided into three themed zones:
The Qatar Pavilion proudly stands within the Empowering Lives zone, reflecting the nation’s drive to inspire and connect future generations through conversations around cultural heritage and sustainable development.
The striking architectural design of the Qatar Pavilion is the result of a collaboration between Kengo Kuma & Associates and Qatar Museums. The structure draws inspiration from the construction of Qatar’s traditional dhow boats as well as Japanese Sashimono wood joinery techniques. The timber framework is draped in flowing white fabric, evoking both the sails of the dhows and the lightness of wind, symbolising the historical trade routes that have long connected the two nations via the sea.
This partnership underscores the rich cultural dialogues that emerged from Qatar-Japan 2012, and continued through ongoing artistic and diplomatic exchanges, further celebrated in dedicated displays.
Curated and designed by AMO in collaboration with Qatar Blueprint, the exhibition, titled From the Coastline, We Progress, takes visitors on an immersive journey through Qatar’s 563 km coastline, revealing how the sea has shaped its culture, trade, and identity.
Visitors traverse a gradient from deep blue to desert beige, symbolising the country’s transformation from coastal community to global hub. Divided into two main zones representing land and sea, highlights of the Qatar Pavilion include:
On the upper floor, a curated library and meeting space invites reflection and exchange, enhanced by custom furnishings by Maryam Al Homaid. Artistic works from Yousef Ahmed and Hayaki Nishigaki, created as part of the Qatar-Japan 2012 legacy further highlight the long-standing ties between the two nations.
The Qatar Pavilion was officially inaugurated in early 2025 under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, in the presence of a delegation of high-level Qatari officials. Marking the occasion, esteemed cultural representatives and government dignitaries gathered to commemorate Qatar’s contribution to this global platform.
On 8th July 2025, Qatar will celebrate its National Day at the Expo National Day Hall, a dedicated space for highlighting each participating nation. The day will feature a vibrant programme of events including traditional performances, artistic installations and hospitality experiences offering attendees a taste of Qatari cuisine, crafts and more.
The Qatar Pavilion is located within the Empowering Lives zone on Yumeshima Island, which serves as the central site for Expo 2025 in Osaka. The venue is easily accessible from central Osaka via public transport and designated shuttle services.
The Expo runs daily from 13th April to 13th October 2025. Opening hours are from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, though specific pavilion hours may vary. Visitors are encouraged to check the official website for the latest daily schedules and what’s on at Expo 2025.
Yes, all attendees require a ticket to enter Expo 2025. Tickets can be purchased in advance through the official website. Various pass options are available, including single-day, multi-day, and group tickets. Visitors are encouraged to book early, especially around national days and special events.
Beyond the Qatar Pavilion, visitors can explore dozens of national pavilions, global food courts, cultural performance stages, interactive learning zones and fascinating exhibitions. Be sure to check out other pavilions within the Empowering Lives area for related themes on education, sustainability, and cross-cultural innovation.
Qatar’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka reflects its broader commitment to global dialogue and cultural exchange. As the pavilion bridges past and future, sea and desert, it also reinforces Qatar’s role as a patron of the arts, and a champion of sustainable development.
Within this global context, the exhibition space also honours the strong and enduring friendship between Qatar and Japan, built on decades of diplomatic, artistic, and cultural collaboration, particularly during the Qatar-Japan 2012 Year of Culture. From shared maritime traditions to contemporary creative partnerships, the bond between the two nations continues to inspire meaningful exchange.
Explore upcoming Years of Culture events taking place in 2025.
