Japan Day at Expo with MISIA and Norika Fujiwara Appearance and Parade

The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition held a ceremony and parade for “Japan Day” at the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

One day during the expo period is designated as a “National Day” for each official participant. On Japan’s National Day, July 3, the government hosted an official ceremony and event, including a parade.

The theme for the ceremony and event was “LIFE WILL BLOOM.~Life Shines Again and Again~.” This stage program was themed following the Osaka-Kansai Expo’s theme of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” It expressed Japan’s nature, seasons, traditions, and culture.

The ceremony began following a performance by the Tottori Johoku High School Calligraphy Club, who won the Calligraphy Performance Koshien twice, matching the song by Mrs. GREEN APPLE. The Imperial Household Agency’s Music Department performed the court music, Gagaku, “Etenraku.”

Honorary President Prince Akishino, who attended along with Princess Kiko, delivered a speech. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba addressed the audience on behalf of the organizers. During the subsequent event, actress and honorary director of the Japan Pavilion Norika Fujiwara appeared from the audience during a performance by Tokyo Gakuso. MISIA, the singer, appeared on stage in a bright red dress and gave a special live performance, singing three songs: “Song of Hope,” “Into Tomorrow,” and “Aino-Katachi.” Her powerful performance greatly excited the audience.

The event was broadcast live in the EXPO National Day Hall “Lei Garden,” and also streamed in the virtual venue “Shine Hat” and on the official Osaka-Kansai Expo YouTube channel.