The 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan, will take place from April 13 to October 13. Representing the Chinese government, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) is organizing the China Pavilion, which spans 3,500 square meters and stands as one of the largest self-built pavilions among participating countries. Shaped like an open Chinese scroll, the pavilion will officially open on the first day of the Expo.
Under the theme “Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature – Toward a Future Society of Green Development,” the China Pavilion will feature three thematic chapters: “Harmony between Heaven and Humanity,” “Lucid Waters and Lush Mountains,” and “Endless Vitality.” Through these, it will showcase the ecological wisdom of 5,000 years of Chinese civilization, the achievements of modern green development, and China’s vision for working hand in hand with the world to build a shared future for mankind and nature.
Sichuan Province will be the first Chinese provincial-level region to host a dedicated “Sichuan Week” during the Expo. With the theme “Brilliant Bashu Culture, Creating a Better Future Together,” the event will be held both online and offline in Osaka and Sichuan, following a “1+2+3+N” model: one overarching theme, two locations, three main events (opening ceremony, exhibitions, and cultural performances), and numerous supporting activities. These include business and tourism promotions, children’s art displays, city and prefecture theme days, and Sichuan specialty product showcases. The events aim to highlight Sichuan’s rich cultural heritage, high quality of life, favorable business environment, and its latest achievements in economic, social, technological, and tourism development—enhancing Sichuan’s global image and fostering international cooperation.
“We will promote Sichuan’s premium cultural and tourism resources to Japanese industry professionals and introduce new policies that make inbound travel more convenient,” said the Sichuan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism during a press conference in Chengdu on April 8. “We will also launch a series of travel routes tailored to Japanese tourists, including World Heritage tours, panda-themed ecological tours, and Sichuan culinary experiences.”
During Sichuan Week, immersive cultural experiences will take center stage, featuring live performances, intangible cultural heritage displays, heritage exhibitions, and themed tour announcements. Iconic cultural symbols such as giant pandas, Sichuan cuisine, and the Sanxingdui archaeological site will be prominently featured, serving as shining emblems of China-Japan cultural exchange and strengthening emotional connections with Japanese audiences.
Sichuan and Japan share a strong foundation in people-to-people exchanges, particularly in tourism, cultural heritage, and wildlife conservation. In recent years, Sichuan has used the giant panda—a beloved symbol in both countries—as a cultural bridge to expand cooperation in promotional campaigns, public engagement, and media collaboration.
For instance, Sichuan has hosted birthday celebrations for the panda “Yongming” in Wakayama Prefecture, as well as roadshows showcasing Sichuan’s tourism. It also organized a “Hello, China! Leisurely Sichuan” tour for Japanese fans of the panda “Xiangxiang,” inviting them to visit Sichuan. In addition, major Japanese travel agencies were invited to visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where they collaborated with Sichuan to launch custom-designed panda-themed travel products.
