On June 9, 2025, with the theme “Splendid Jilin, Blossoming at the Expo”, Jilin Day of the 2025 Osaka World Expo was held at the China Pavilion of the Expo site in Osaka, Japan. Around 100 representatives from various sectors of China and Japan gathered to share Jilin’s stories and open a new chapter of cooperation.
Chinese Consul General in Osaka Xue Jian, Director of the China Pavilion of Expo Osaka and Director of the Exhibition Department of CCPIT Wu Shengrong, Tottori Prefecture Vice Governor Kamei Kazuyoshi, Japanese Consul General in Shenyang Hamada Takashi, and Japan Association for the 2025 World Expo International Bureau Executive Director Nagano Hikaru delivered speeches at the opening ceremony. On behalf of the Jilin provincial delegation, Vice Governor Yang Andi introduced the diverse charms of Jilin. Xu Tao, President of the Jilin Council for the Promotion of International Trade, presided over the opening ceremony.
The Japan-China Economic Association, the Japan-China Economic and Trade Center, and the Japan Jilin Chamber of Commerce also participated in the event.
Deepening Friendship, Talking about Revitalization
The one-day “Jilin Day” was organized by the Jilin Council for the Promotion of International Trade, including the opening ceremony, exhibitions, intangible cultural heritage showcases, cultural performances, and other promotional activities.
The series of events aimed to leverage the Osaka Expo platform to showcase Jilin’s unique resources, promote exchanges and cooperation with Japan and other participating countries and regions in culture, tourism, trade, and green development, and further enhance Jilin’s international image and influence.
Vice Governor Kamei Kazuyoshi of Tottori Prefecture noted in his speech that since Tottori and Jilin signed the Friendship Exchange Memorandum in September 1994, the two regions have conducted exchanges in youth, culture, sports, and economy. He expressed confidence that with more people-to-people exchanges, the ties will deepen further. He hoped such exchanges would continue to consolidate friendly relations.
Japanese Consul General in Shenyang Hamada Takashi mentioned that since taking office in December 2023, he had actively visited various places. He was deeply impressed by Jilin’s abundant natural resources, scenic spots, and food culture. Recently, on May 25, he even participated in the Changchun Marathon, enjoying the route from downtown Changchun to the International Railway Park on the outskirts.
Blooming Charm, Sharing Achievements
At the opening ceremony, a promotional video showcased Jilin’s economic, social, and cultural development, achievements in high-level opening up, and tourism industry progress, presenting a comprehensive image of the province.
Attendees also enjoyed performances including solo songs Northeast Yangge and the Japanese folk song Hoshi, drum performance Rhythm of the Drums, Peking Opera aria Ode to Pear Blossom, magic show Dream of Umbrellas and Fruits, erhu solo Galloping Horses, and Korean ethnic dance Fan Dance. Each program won warm applause.
In addition to the opening ceremony, Jilin organized hourly performances in the multi-functional hall, as well as interactive shows with foreign visitors at the China Pavilion’s south entrance. Long queues formed as Expo visitors eagerly joined in Jilin Day.
Jilin also staged an intangible cultural heritage exhibition, with representative inheritors performing and interacting on-site. Highlights included Changbai Mountain ironwork (blacksmith craft), Manchu paper cutting, traditional Manchu embroidery, Tang-style bone-setting technique, and Chagan Lake fish-skin painting.
Exchange and Mutual Learning, Win-Win Future
With the theme “Designing a Future Society Full of Life”, the Osaka World Expo is a comprehensive world exposition with 158 participating countries and regions and 7 international organizations. Jilin fully prepared to make the most of this platform.
On Jilin Day, brochures, customized souvenirs, and cultural creative products were distributed to visitors at the China Pavilion, promoting Jilin’s image and opportunities.
To better present Jilin’s beauty, the province set up a themed exhibition titled “Colorful Jilin”. The displays were divided into four sections: “Golden Jilin,” “Silver Jilin,” “Blue Jilin,” and “Green Jilin,” combining photos, texts, and actual products to showcase Jilin’s natural beauty, abundant resources, and its commitment to ecological priority and green development.
Exhibits included processed products of ginseng, deer, edible mushrooms, corn, and pine nuts; mineral water, Songhua inkstones, as well as models of hydrogen-powered trains, high-speed train heads, and Hongqi cars, presenting a vigorous and dynamic Jilin to the world.
