On June 5, “Guizhou Week” opened at the China Pavilion of the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, themed “Colorful Guizhou, Green Future.”
The opening ceremony was attended by representatives from the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), the Chinese Consulate-General in Osaka, the Japan Association for the 2025 World Expo, representatives from Guizhou’s international sister regions, and delegates from key national pavilions—around 100 people in total—who gathered to experience the charm and vitality of “The Park Province Among Mountains – Colorful Guizhou.”
The ceremony began with performances rich in Guizhou’s local flair.
The Miao dance “Drum Stomping Dance” showcased the vibrant ethnic culture of Guizhou, while the Dong ethnic chorus “Heaven, Earth, and Humanity Filled with Love” conveyed friendship and blessings to the world.
Guizhou’s intangible cultural heritage, such as batik, embroidery, and silver ornaments, allowed visitors to engage with centuries of Chinese cultural heritage.
Local specialties such as baijiu (Chinese liquor), tea, and thorn pear showcased Guizhou’s unique mountain-based natural resources to a global audience.
Wu Shengrong, Director of the Exhibition Management Department of CCPIT and Director of the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo, remarked at the opening:
“Guizhou has extensive ties with Japan. Products like Guizhou matcha are well-received by the Japanese public.”
“The direct flight between Guiyang and Osaka has built an ‘aerial bridge’ connecting the two regions.”
“This event not only builds a platform for cooperation between China, Japan, and other countries, but also invites friends from around the world to explore Guizhou and experience its ‘Colorful Charm.'”
Over the years, Guizhou has written a touching chapter of the Chinese story through its unique ecological practices and achievements in green development.
Xue Jian, Consul General of China in Osaka, stated:
“Guizhou and Japan have deepened their economic cooperation in recent years and achieved fruitful results in various sectors.”
“This event offers a rich and comprehensive portrayal of the theme ‘Colorful Guizhou, Green Future,’ and will serve as a medium to further strengthen mutual cooperation and success, injecting more positive energy into China-Japan relations.”
Nagano Hikaru, Executive Director of the International Bureau of the Japan Expo Association and National Manager of the China Pavilion, noted:
“As a fan of Chinese cinema, I’m thrilled to learn that Guizhou is the hometown of world-renowned director Bi Gan. His film Resurrection in the Wild Era recently won a Special Award at the 78th Cannes Film Festival.”
“I haven’t been to Guizhou myself, but this event feels like a journey—it gave me a first impression of the culture and local products of the province.”
“I hope to confirm what I’ve learned during Guizhou Week through a future visit to the region.”
The three-day Guizhou Week features 12 “Colorful Guizhou” events, including the opening ceremony and trade, cultural, and tourism promotion sessions.
This marks the first time the Guizhou government has participated as a group in a comprehensive international expo held overseas.
Kenji Imamura, Director of the Kansai Office of the Japan-China Economic Association, expressed high hopes for Guizhou.
In his speech, he said, “Through the platform of Guizhou Week, we hope more Japanese friends can gain a deeper understanding of Guizhou’s charm and advantages.”
“We aim to further mutual understanding and raise interest in Guizhou.”
“The association will continue to strengthen bilateral ties and actively create more innovative business opportunities.”
Masahiro Ono, Deputy Director of the Regional Exchange Department of Saga Prefecture, shared the special bond between Guizhou and Saga.
“Saga Prefecture and Guizhou Province have maintained a friendly relationship for years.”
“I attended the second ‘Liquor Expo’ in Guizhou over a decade ago and witnessed the province’s rapid development firsthand.”
He added that the signing of a “Friendship Exchange and Cooperation Agreement” has led to broad and in-depth practical cooperation in culture, tourism, and economic sectors.
“In the future, we will continue to carry out people-centered activities to elevate our friendly ties to a higher level.”
On the opening day, two exhibitions were launched:
“Exquisite Guizhou – Shared with the World: The ‘Gui’ Series Brand Exhibition” and
“Guizhou Through the Lens – World’s Hidden Treasure: Guizhou Photography Exhibition.”
These will run through June 7.
Through text and image displays, real-life exhibits, live demonstrations, and interactive experiences, the exhibitions offer a multi-dimensional and comprehensive showcase of Guizhou’s rich culture, natural beauty, technological achievements, economic development, and specialty products.
During the event period, the “Guizhou Intangible Cultural Heritage Showcase – Craftsmanship Shared with the World” will be held at the multifunctional hall and intangible heritage exhibition area of the China Pavilion.
Static displays include national-level intangible cultural heritage items like Yuping flutes, Dafang lacquerware, and Miao ethnic costumes.
Meanwhile, inheritors of heritage crafts such as Taijiang silverware, Danzhai batik, and Jianhe tin embroidery will conduct live demonstrations.
The “Village T” Ethnic Fashion Show will also take place in the multifunctional hall at various times, offering audiences an up-close and immersive experience of Guizhou’s unique cultural aesthetics.
In addition, Guizhou Week will feature a series of investment, trade, and cultural exchange events in Osaka, Tokyo, and other cities, showcasing Guizhou’s new image in China’s modernization journey and its growing international opportunities to a global audience.
