Japan Pavilion Prepares for the Belgrade Expo 2027 Opening in One Year

Japan Pavilion at the Belgrade Expo 2027

In a significant milestone leading up to the 2027 Belgrade International Expo, which will be held from May 15 to August 15, 2027, in Belgrade, Serbia, preparations for the Japan Pavilion are well underway. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) have announced the completion of the pavilion's logo and symbol mark on May 15, 2026, exactly one year before the event.

The theme of the Japan Pavilion is "Play Together, Connect: The Spirit of Japanese Playfulness." Following Japan's role as the host country for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, the pavilion aims to build upon the legacy of themes from the previous expo, such as "Designing Future Societies Where Life Shines" and "Diversity Matters, Unity Matters." This pavilion is envisioned as a platform for further development and expression of these concepts.

A Logo that Represents Connection

The newly unveiled logo is designed in the form of a flower created from a single sheet of paper, representing the traditional Japanese art of Kirie (paper cutting). Kirie is an accessible medium that transcends generations, genders, and cultural boundaries, embodying the essence of playfulness that the pavilion aims to promote. Although the paper is cut apart, the resulting flower reflects the theme of unity and connectivity inherent in the Japan Pavilion's message.

In the pavilion, "play" is understood as a way to soften divisions and create connections among people. The logo serves as a visual representation of this philosophy, emphasizing that through the simplicity of paper and scissors, everyone can engage and share experiences, regardless of language or background.

Embracing Young Creatives

International expos have historically provided platforms for young creators to showcase their creativity and innovative thinking to a global audience. This tradition continues with the Japan Pavilion at the Belgrade Expo, where a graphic designer of promising potential, Kazuki Kobayashi, has designed the pavilion's logo through an invitation-based design competition.

Commentary from Kazuki Kobayashi

Kobayashi expressed, "By folding origami and cutting paper to create a flower, just one piece of paper can bridge communication gaps. Sharing the small joy of an unfolded origami will encourage connections among us. Embracing our differences is essential; being ourselves is perfectly fine. I hope this serves as a catalyst for harmony among people." He is a graduate of Tama Art University and previously worked with Shiseido before establishing his own studio. He currently serves as a part-time lecturer at Joshibi University of Art and Design and Tama Art University.

Legacy of the Osaka-Kansai Expo

The launch of the Japan Pavilion at the Belgrade Expo marks a transition for the Japan Pavilion's social media accounts into platforms for sharing future information about international expos. Notably, the comprehensive production team for the pavilion includes creators who have previously contributed to the 2015 Milan World Expo, the 2021 Dubai World Expo, and the upcoming 2025 Japan Expo (Osaka-Kansai).

Further details regarding the pavilion's exhibitions and activities will be made available through press releases and social media channels in due course, continuing the narrative set forth at the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

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