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PHILIPPINE PAVILLION AT EXPO 2025 OSAKA DRAWS PRAISE FROM JAPANESE PM
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco joined President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and other Cabinet officials in welcoming Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru on his official visit to the Philippines on Tuesday, April 29, at the Kalayaan Grounds of Malacañang Palace.
During the bilateral meeting between President Marcos, Jr. and Prime Minister Ishiba, the two leaders reaffirmed the expansion of cooperation across various sectors including people-to-people exchanges, with President Marcos, Jr. highlighting the success of Japan’s hosting of Expo 2025 Osaka.
“I congratulate Japan for the successful opening of the Expo 2025 Osaka. We are excited and proud to be part of this Expo. The Philippine Pavilion focuses on nature, culture, and community to showcase the creation of a sustainable future,” said the President.
Prime Minister Ishiba responded with high praise for the Philippine Pavilion’s growing popularity among visitors: “Thank you also for touching on the opening of the Osaka Kansai Expo. The last time Osaka hosted the Expo was in 1970, when you and I were both 14 years old, and we were very young at the time. I was briefed that you had a chance to visit the Expo during the 1970 Osaka event. And this year, the [Filipino] Pavilion is becoming a popular destination for visitors. So, I also look forward to welcoming you to visit the Osaka Expo soon.”
Further, at the press conference to deliver their joint leaders’ statement, Prime Minister Ishiba expressed optimism that more Filipinos will come visit the Expo: “The National Day of the Philippines will be celebrated on June, the 7th. I hope that many Filipinos will come to visit the Kansai Exposition, and also other districts in Japan as well.”
As of April 28, 2025, the Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka has already welcomed 81,227 visitors—just 16 days after opening to the public on April 13.
With theme “Nature, Culture, and Community: Woven Together for a Better Future,” the Philippine Pavilion showcases the richness of Filipino heritage and innovation through immersive storytelling, live cultural performances, and a façade made of 212 handwoven fabrics representing regions across the country.
From “Dancing with Nature,” a digital installation that transforms guests into elements of the natural world, to captivating daily performances by artists from the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Hilot Wellness Space, the Pavilion offers a multisensory celebration of Filipino identity. Upcoming additions, including the Habi Gift Shop, Hain Takeout, and the Pavilion mascot Kokoro-chan, promise to further enhance the experience for Expo visitors in the weeks ahead.
Secretary Frasco welcomed Prime Minister Ishiba’s kind words on the Philippine Pavilion, expressed her gratitude for Japan’s continued support, and reaffirmed the DOT’s commitment to strengthening tourism cooperation with one of the country’s most valued source markets: “We are deeply heartened and inspired by the kind words of Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru on the Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. Japan has long been one of the Philippines’ most valued tourism partners and a consistent top source of visitors. Under the Marcos administration, we remain committed to further strengthening our tourism ties through continued coordination and collaboration with our Japanese counterparts, promoting mutual growth, cultural exchange, and sustainable travel between our nations.”
The DOT has been appointed as the Chairperson and Commissioner-General of the Philippine Organizing Committee (POC) for the World Expo 2025 Osaka formed by virtue of Administrative Order No. 7 signed by President Marcos, Jr. on April 19, 2023, with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines designated as Secretariat.
As the Philippines continues to promote its “Love the Philippines” tourism campaign, Japan stands as key tourism partner for the country. As of April 29, 2025, international visitor arrivals from Japan have reached 170,852—making it the Philippines’ third largest source market.
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Published:April 29, 2025
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