On September 13, during a live stream at the digital installation “Open the Door to EXPO 2025!” in Vērmanes Garden, a Latvian folk dance masterclass took place, connecting with the Baltic Pavilion at EXPO 2025 Osaka. The workshop was led by Asnate Rancāne – leader of the family folklore studio “Garataka” and vocalist of the group “Tautumeitas.” Her vibrant performance delighted the audience in Latvia and gave pavilion visitors in Japan a chance to experience authentic Latvian dance traditions.
The Baltic Pavilion, which represents Latvia and Lithuania, is centered around the theme “We Are One”, highlighting the interconnection between people, nature, and technology, as well as regional and global unity. The aim is to learn from one another and act together towards a more sustainable future. The digital installation “Open the Door to EXPO 2025!” is a direct continuation of this idea, enabling people in Latvia to become part of the exhibition, while allowing the world to learn more about Latvia and its values.
Asnate Rancāne, together with other musicians and dancers from the Garataka studio, brought the spirit of traditional Latvian dance to both Latvian and Japanese audiences. She emphasized how such events are an opportunity to showcase the richness of Latvian culture:
“Each of these events is important and exciting for me. I’ve dedicated my life to Latvian traditional culture, and there’s no greater satisfaction than presenting it to the world and seeing how people appreciate it. Often, foreigners are the ones who can truly value it – because they can’t imagine that such a small nation can have such a colorful and vivid culture,” said Asnate Rancāne.
Dance Brings Latvia and Japan Together – Across Generations
Accompanied by live traditional music, the dancers invited visitors at the Baltic Pavilion and in Vērmanes Garden to join in and try classic Latvian dances and games such as “Plaukstiņpolka,” “Cūkas driķos,” “Skroders,” and “Ādamam bij’ septiņ’ dēli.” The Japanese audience was especially enthusiastic, eagerly joining in the lively dancing with each other and with the Baltic Pavilion guides.
Asnate Rancāne noted a special connection with Japan and its people, formed during previous concert tours across various regions of the country:
“I’m a huge fan of Japan. The first time I visited, I was shocked – we had heard so much about how different Japanese people are from us. But once we arrived, we realized their essence goes much deeper than just technology and robots, as is commonly thought. The real story of Japan is about a unique and ancient culture that they treat with admirable respect. And that respect is what inspires me the most,” she shared.
A Japanese visitor named Ichika, who attended the event at the EXPO 2025 Osaka Baltic Pavilion with her husband and son, said she was surprised by how rich and engaging Latvian culture is:
“We thoroughly enjoyed watching and even trying the dances ourselves – they were so joyful and heartfelt. It’s very inspiring to see family traditions where multiple generations participate – what parents start, children continue. That’s vital for preserving cultural heritage, and it’s something that unites Latvians and Japanese. Exploring the Latvian pavilion made me feel we have a lot in common – love for nature, respect for others. I’m really glad I got to learn more about your culture and worldview. I would love to visit Latvia one day and experience it in person,” said Ichika.
From EXPO to the World – Latvia’s Moment to Shine
EXPO participation plays a significant role not just in economic outreach, but also in boosting Latvia’s visibility and cultural recognition internationally, says Asnate Rancāne:
“Being on such a big global stage is an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed or underestimated – it’s incredibly important. This is how we can present our country to the world, be remembered as a nation with an ancient and unique culture, and show that we have the talent and intelligence to present it in a modern and innovative way.”
This was the second event in a planned series at the “Open the Door to EXPO 2025!” installation, aimed at introducing Japanese visitors to Latvian values, traditions, and key national stories. Even outside of live events, visitors to Vērmanes Garden can take part in live streams that offer a window into the daily life of the Baltic Pavilion at EXPO 2025 and interact with its guests. These live connections happen weekly from Thursday to Sunday, between 12:00–14:00.
Even when the live streams are off, the door to EXPO 2025 symbolically remains open – giving Latvian residents and visitors a chance to explore the Baltic Pavilion and its message, and see how Latvia presents itself to the world while promoting a vision of balance and respectful coexistence.
About EXPO 2025 Osaka:
EXPO 2025 Osaka is the world’s most significant exhibition for promoting national branding and export potential, addressing not only economic but also crucial global social issues. The event will host 160 countries and 9 international organizations, and is expected to attract over 28 million visitors from around the globe. EXPO 2025 is a platform for showcasing national and regional exhibits, as well as for combining global knowledge and ideas to create new technologies and innovations aimed at solving global challenges. The central theme is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, while the Baltic Pavilion’s sub-theme is “Saving Lives”, focusing on improving quality of life through advanced technologies and high environmental standards. To support national branding and boost exports, Latvia is organizing an extensive business program alongside its participation in EXPO 2025 Osaka. This includes industry fairs, events, and trade missions in Japan for Latvian companies.