Today, on April 13, the Baltic Pavilion, with the theme "We Are One," was officially opened at Expo 2025 Osaka, the world’s largest international exhibition. Showcasing a joint presence of Latvia and Lithuania, the pavilion explores the synergy between nature, people, and technology. The global event in Japan will run for six months—until October 13—bringing together 160 countries and 9 international organizations. An estimated 28 million visitors from around the globe are expected to attend.
The official opening of the Baltic Pavilion was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Edmunds Valantis, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economics of Latvia; Lāsma Līdaka, Commissioner General of Latvia at Expo 2025; Zigmārs Zilgalvis, Ambassador of Latvia to Japan; Lina Antanavičiene, Commissioner General of Lithuania at Expo 2025 Osaka; Aurelijus Zykas, Ambassador of Lithuania to Japan; and Artūrs Analts, the artist and designer of the Baltic Pavilion.
Edmunds Valantis, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economics of Latvia: “Expo is a valuable opportunity to strengthen Latvia’s economic presence in Japan, the world’s fourth-largest economy. More than 250 Latvian exporting companies will be involved in related activities, both on-site and virtually. This is a key moment to increase exports and attract Japanese investment.”
Pavilion visitors will be taken on a sensory journey through the Baltic region—discovering its nature, culture, and traditions, as well as forward-thinking solutions from Latvia and Lithuania for a better future. The concept “We Are One” invites reflection on our shared responsibility for the planet, emphasizing that being part of it is both a privilege and a duty to preserve it for future generations.
At the heart of the pavilion stands a unique installation—an interactive glass wall providing a quiet moment of reflection away from the fast-paced digital world. Named “Kizuna”—a Japanese word that signifies a deep emotional connection—the wall symbolizes the bond between people, nature, communities, and nations. Its innovative technology creates a condensation effect, allowing visitors to leave behind a personal message. These messages disappear within minutes, encouraging reflection on the impact of our actions on the planet.
Visitors to the pavilion can also explore the “Nature’s Pharmacy”—an exhibit showcasing around 300 plant specimens from Baltic meadows, along with explanations of their unique properties and uses for enhancing health and overall well-being. In addition, everyone can symbolically take part in reforesting the Baltics. Each digitally planted tree will be physically planted in specially designated forests in Tērvete, Latvia, and Joniški, Lithuania. The pavilion also features a digital catalogue where visitors can learn about Latvian and Lithuanian companies seeking to expand their export in the Japanese market.
Lāsma Līdaka, Commissioner General of Latvia at Expo 2025: “While Latvia has taken the lead in developing the Baltic Pavilion, I’m proud that Latvia and Lithuania have joined forces—bringing together energy and creativity to encourage the world to think as one. Together, we showcase the synergy between nature, people, and technology in the Baltic region, promoting global cooperation for a better future and strengthening the region’s visibility on the world stage. What makes this pavilion truly unique is that it has been created not only by artists and entrepreneurs but also by the people of the Baltics—sharing their own videos and offering a personal view of Latvia and Lithuania. As the old saying goes: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far—go together.’”
The Baltic Pavilion was created by the consortium Kettler, comprising the following companies: Inspired Ltd., 7 A.M. Ltd., Variant Studio Ltd., Ozols IR Ltd., AD Production Ltd., and Datu Tehnoloģiju Grupa Ltd. The pavilion’s concept was developed by Laura Slaviņa, with Artūrs Analts serving as the lead artist and designer.
Expo 2025 Osaka is the world’s most significant platform for national branding and export promotion, addressing not only economic topics but also key global social issues. The main theme of the exposition is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” while the sub-theme approved for the Baltic Pavilion by the organizers is “Saving Lives”—focusing on improving quality of life through cutting-edge technologies while upholding high environmental standards.
To support both national visibility and export development goals, Latvia’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka is complemented by a comprehensive business programme, offering Latvian companies the opportunity to take part in industry exhibitions, networking events, and trade missions across Japan.
