Co-creating Cultures for the Future Week
“Culture for the 21st Century: Reflections on Life”
"What should the World Expo be like now? - Exploring the possibilities for the 21st century -"
EXPO 2025 Thematic Project “Invigorating Lives” (Producer NAKAJIMA Sachiko)
How Should Expos Be Today?
As part of ""21st Century Culture: The Society for Thinking About Life,"" two sessions will be held. The first session, ""How Should Expos Be Today?"", explores the possibilities of cultural collaboration through expos in partnership with diverse countries and organizations.
Recorded video available
Discussion
- How Should Expos Be Today?
| Transmission of simultaneous interpretation | Provided |
|---|---|
| Language of interpretation | Japanese and English |
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Track Programme
- Time and
Date of
the event -
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2025.04.26[Sat]
12:00 ～ 14:55
(Venue Open 11:30)
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- Venue
- Pavilion
- 「WA」space Women's Pavilion
Programme details
*Subtitles: Choose “Subtitles/CC” in the “Settings” (gear icon) at the bottom right of the YouTube video.
*Subtitles may not show with multiple languages or overlapping audio.
As part of "21st Century Culture: The Society for Thinking About Life," two sessions will be held. The first session, "How Should Expos Be Today?", explores the possibilities of cultural collaboration through expos in partnership with diverse countries and organizations.The second session, "Why is the Humanities Knowledge Necessary in the AI Era?", examines the importance of humanities knowledge in the AI era through discussions on the future of museums, local culture, and traditional performing arts.
Reports
【Reflection 】
This program consisted of two sessions: one exploring how future expositions should be conducted, and another considering the significance of humanities knowledge in the age of AI, under the theme of “21st Century Culture: A Forum for Thinking about Life.” In particular, the case study of the Canada Pavilion highlighted initiatives centered on the themes of “SAISEI (regeneration),” “nurturing the next generation,” and “respect for cultural diversity,” drawing on past Expo experiences from 1970, 1985, and 2005. The Canada Pavilion emphasizes the fusion of cutting-edge technology and analog human interaction, offering visitors surprise and joy through AR-based presentations, local staff, and cultural performances. Respect for indigenous cultures was particularly emphasized, with initiatives such as Indigenous Peoples' Day and a joint festival with the Jellyfish Pavilion showcasing multiculturalism. These examples served as a reminder that expos are not merely technological exhibitions but also venues for cross-cultural understanding and collaboration. It was also impressive to hear discussions about how, even in the age of AI, the value of humanistic knowledge that connects regional culture, performing arts, and history to the next generation will not be lost, but rather will become even more important in today's information-saturated society. Through international dialogue, participants reaffirmed the cultural and educational role of the Expo and had the opportunity to learn about diverse, future-oriented models of exchange.
[Post-Expo Initiatives]
After the event, it is important to continue international and regional cultural exchanges by utilizing the knowledge and networks gained through this program. Initiatives rooted in multiculturalism, such as the Canada Pavilion, can be developed into online platforms and traveling events to continue exchanges even after the Expo has ended. In addition, the dissemination of humanities knowledge in the AI era should be promoted through the digitization of museums and cultural facilities and the archiving of regional cultures to improve access both domestically and internationally. In particular, it is hoped that information on indigenous peoples and regional cultures will be disseminated in multiple languages to build a foundation for international academic and cultural exchange. Furthermore, by inheriting the value of “direct connections between people” demonstrated in the discussions, and by regularly holding workshops and cultural events created jointly by experts from different fields and citizens, it will be possible to form a sustainable place for co-creation. These activities will expand the Expo's philosophy into everyday social activities, providing participants with lifelong memories and learning experiences, as well as accumulating educational assets for future generations. Going forward, it is important to continue collaborating with national pavilions and cultural organizations to promote international exchange programs that link global issue resolution with cultural creation.
【Post EXPO Initiatives】
After the expo, it will be important to continue international and regional cultural exchange by utilizing the knowledge and networks gained through this program. Initiatives rooted in multiculturalism, such as the Canada Pavilion, can be developed into online platforms and traveling events to sustain exchange even after the expo ends. In addition, the dissemination of humanities knowledge in the AI era should aim to improve access both domestically and internationally through the digitization of museums and cultural facilities and the archiving of regional cultures. In particular, it is hoped that information on indigenous peoples and regional cultures will be disseminated in multiple languages to build a foundation for international academic and cultural exchange. Furthermore, by inheriting the value of “direct connections between people” demonstrated in the discussions at this event, and by regularly holding workshops and cultural events created jointly by experts from different fields and citizens, it will be possible to form a sustainable place for co-creation. These activities will expand the Expo's philosophy into everyday social activities, providing participants with lifelong memories and learning experiences, as well as accumulating educational assets for future generations. Going forward, it is important to continue collaborating with national pavilions and cultural organizations to promote international exchange programs that link global issue resolution with cultural creation.
Cast
Moderator
NAKAJIMA Sachiko
Thematic Project ”Invigorating Lives" (Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition)
Musician, a mathematics researcher, and a STEAM Educator. She is also CEO of steAm, Inc.,the representative director of steAm BAND Association and a thematic project producer of Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan. She also serves as a STEM Girls Ambassador, Cabinet Office, and project researcher of Graduate School of Mathematical Sciences The University of Tokyo. She won the gold medal as the first Japanese woman in the International Mathematical Olympiad. She passionately conducts research on art and technology as well as music, mathematics, and education.
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Jun MIYACHI
Cartier Japan CEO
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Speakers
Juichi YAMAGIWA
Research Institute for Humanity and Nature Director-General, Senior Advisor of Osaka Kansai EXPO 2025
Dr. Juichi YAMAGIWA, Director-General of RIHN, is a researcher and expert in the study of primatology and human evolution. Awarded Doctor of Science from Kyoto University. After holding positions at the Karisoke Research Center, Japan Monkey Center, and Primate Research Institute Kyoto University, he has been Professor of Graduate School of Science at Kyoto University, Dean of Graduate School and Faculty of Science, 26th President of Kyoto University. Also served as President of International Primatological Society. Domestically, he served as the president of Science Council of Japan and he is now serving as a Senior Advisor of Osaka Kansai EXPO 2025 and others
His passion for fieldwork research frequently made him travel to some countries in Africa, where he discovered an abundance of new findings related to gorillas, through his unique viewpoint of human evolution.
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Kan Hiroshi SUZUKI
The University of Tokyo
He graduated from the University of Tokyo, entered the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). After serving as an associate Professor at Keio University SFC, he became a member of the House of Councilors for 12 years. He served two terms as State Minister of Education, Science, Technology, Sports and Culture and four terms as Chief policy Officer of MEXT, and was appointed as Professor at the University of Tokyo in 2014. He is also a Teach for All Global board member, Director for Representative of Japan Education (ROJE), and Vice President of the Society of Well-being.
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Seiichi KONDO
President, Professional Institute of International Fashion, Chief Director, TAKUMI-Art du Japon
Kondo graduated from Tokyo University (Departmet of Liberal Arts), and joined Foreign Ministry in 1972. He was appointed Deputy-Secretary-General of the OECD（Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), Ambassador to UNESCO, and Ambassador to Denmark. He is currently President of Professional Institute of International Fashion, Chairperson of Yokohama Arts Foundation. He established TAKUMI-Art du Japon in 2017.
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Laurie Peters
Global Affair Canada, Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai Canada Pavilion Commissioner General
In 2005, she worked at Expo 2005 Aichi Japan as the Head of Public Relations for the Canada Pavilion. From 2011 to 2015 she served as Director of Public Affairs at the Embassy of Canada in Japan. She served as High Commissioner in Jamaica and was Senior Advisor for Canada Pavilion at the 2020 Dubai Expo. She is currently Commissioner General of Canada Pavilion for the 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo.
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Co-creating Cultures for the Future Week
“Culture for the 21st Century: Reflections on Life”
"What should the World Expo be like now? - Exploring the possibilities for the 21st century -"
How Should Expos Be Today?
As part of ""21st Century Culture: The Society for Thinking About Life,"" two sessions will be held. The first session, ""How Should Expos Be Today?"", explores the possibilities of cultural collaboration through expos in partnership with diverse countries and organizations.
-
2025.04.26[Sat]
12:00～14:55
(Venue Open 11:30)
- Pavilion
- * Programme times and content are subject to change. Any changes will be announced on this website and via the ticket booking system.
- * The schedule is subject to change depending on the organiser's circumstances.
OTHER PROGRAM
Co-creating Cultures for the Future Week
