Newsletter No. 1, March 2025

Portugal at Expo 2025 Osaka

The Ocean as a Global Dialogue

Portugal is one of the 161 countries participating in Expo 2025 Osaka, reaffirming its commitment to building a sustainable and innovative future. Under the theme "Ocean: Blue Dialogue," Portugal will showcase its historical relationship with the oceans, its knowledge of the Atlantic Ocean, and the innovative and inspiring technologies that position the country at the forefront of a sustainable blue economy.

Portugal's participation programme focuses on four key areas: the blue economy, innovation, sustainability, and culture, with the involvement of around 150 entities, including companies, municipalities, associations, universities, and foundations.

In parallel, a wide-ranging cultural programme titled “Osaka in Portugal” is being developed, featuring activities across various locations in the country to engage the Portuguese population in the spirit of Expo 2025 Osaka.

AICEP - Portuguese Trade & Investment Agency organises Portugal's participation in the Expo 2025 Osaka.

Portugal Pavilion

The Portugal Pavilion is the venue for Portugal's participation in the Osaka World Expo. During the 184 days of the event, it will host an exhibition divided into two sections highlighting past and current relationships with Japan.

Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the Portugal Pavilion invites visitors to dive into and discover the ocean, metaphorically bringing a piece of the ocean to Expo 2025 Osaka. The way the ocean moves is shown in the Pavilion by breaking it down.

Portugal logo

The ocean served as the inspiration for the visual identity of Portugal's participation in the World Expo in Osaka, Kansai. The logo’s design takes the form of a windblown shape, where interconnected elements create a dynamic and ever-evolving representation of the Portuguese Pavilion. The colour palette—blue, yellow, and red—symbolises the ocean, light, and the red of Japan.

Created by AICEP designer Filipa Pias, the visual identity draws from the architecture of the Portugal Pavilion and the ocean, embodying Portugal's rich heritage as a universalist and oceanic culture.

UMI, Portugal's mascot

Portugal's official mascot is a seahorse, symbolising the strong and lasting bond between Portugal and Japan. More than just a figure, UMI represents a fusion of cultures, histories and visions of the future, rooted in the common bond with the ocean.

UMI, the mascot's name, means 'ocean' in Japanese, an element that allowed Portugal and Japan to 'meet' almost 500 years ago. The seahorse was chosen as the form of UMI because of its association with the ocean and the values it symbolises. Small but resistant, the seahorse is a resilient creature that faces the currents of the sea with serenity and determination — characteristics that reflect the perseverance and strength of both countries in building a solid and lasting relationship of cooperation.

Contacts

expo.osaka@portugalglobal.pt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

media.expoosaka@portugalglobal.pt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

www.portugalexpo2025.pt

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