Osaka, Japan – World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan continues to welcome guests from across the globe, with around 160 countries and seven international organisations showcasing their pavilions. Each nation celebrates its National Day during the six-month event. Kazakhstan’s turn came on 10 August.
The morning in Osaka began with Kazakh music. The celebrations opened with a parade led by strongman and four-time world record-holder Sergey Tsyrulnikov carrying the national flag, joined by Kazakh warriors (batyrs) and an orchestra. The performance drew a large crowd along the Grand Ring, the Expo’s main wooden structure encircling all pavilions, symbolising unity among nations.
The delegation made its way to an authentic yurt, where battle re-enactments and performances on folk instruments immersed visitors in the country’s nomadic history.
For Kazakhstan, the date also coincided with the 180th anniversary of Kazakh philosopher and thinker Abai Kunanbaiuly, whose influence extends across the Central Asian region.
“Abai’s ideas still speak to us today – about unity, justice, and the pursuit of knowledge,” said Kazakhstan’s Minister of Trade and Integration, Arman Shakkaliyev. “Marking his anniversary in Japan shows how deeply our values align.”
When cultures sing together
At the opening ceremony, audiences heard more than Kazakh melodies. A highlight was the Sarmad Orchestra’s performance of the Japanese folk song Sakura on the jetygen, a rare Kazakh string instrument.
After the concert came a touching moment: despite the rain, Japanese visitors gathered outside the hall to sing the Kazakh national anthem.
“I’ve dreamed of hearing Kazakh music live,” said Rina Kawamoto from Fukuoka.
We met guests from across Japan, including fans of Dimash Kudaibergen, who hope one day to visit Kazakhstan.
“I can’t travel to Kazakhstan, so I came here from Fukuoka to experience Kazakh culture. I see people from so many countries here, all brought together by Dimash Kudaibergen’s art,” added Kawamoto.
Queues for the final concert
Kazakhstan’s National Day culminated in a major performance. Despite the rain, queues formed outside the Shining Hat venue hours before the doors opened. By the evening, around 3,000 people had gathered.
The Birlik Dance Ensemble (meaning “Unity”) earned loud applause. Bringing together performers from across Kazakhstan’s many ethnic groups, the ensemble was a fitting symbol of the day.
The programme featured works by renowned composers Nurgisa Tlendiev, Karshyga Akhmedyarov, Latif Khamidi and Yevgeny Brusilovsky.
Kazakhstan Pavilion nears its millionth visitor
The Kazakhstan Pavilion remains one of the Expo’s most popular attractions and is expected to welcome its one-millionth guest this month. It draws both locals and tourists with its rich showcase of Kazakh history and culture.
Its centrepiece is ALEM (Astana Life Ex-situ Machine), an innovation in organ transplantation that preserves donor organs and allows treatment before surgery.
“Our pavilion is more than an exhibition,” said Kazakhstan’s General Commissioner at World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, Daulet Yerkimbayev. “It’s a conversation with every guest. We wanted to show that heritage and innovation are not in conflict. They’re two sides of the same story.”
The Kazakhstan Pavilion offers a rich and inspiring experience – from the traditional lifestyle of the Kazakh people to the most advanced medical innovations. These exhibits capture the spirit of the Expo’s theme, Designing Future Society for Our Lives, by allowing visitors to connect with Kazakhstan and reflect together on the society of the future, said Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Kato Akiyoshi.
“I have been involved with the Osaka–Kansai Expo since the bidding stage, and as Secretary-General of the 2025 Japan World Expo Bid Committee, I had the privilege of visiting the 2017 Astana Expo. That visit left me with a deep sense of connection to Kazakhstan.”
Sweet encounters at the pavilion
At the pavilion, we also met travel blogger and polyglot Yuji Beleza, known for his love of Kazakh chocolate. He became popular online for videos where he gives out Kazakh chocolate bars around the world.
“This pavilion really shows the heart of Kazakhstan,” Yuji said. “It’s not only beautiful but also interactive – you can feel the culture, the hospitality, and see the country’s innovations all in one place.”
The upcoming Almaty–Tokyo direct flight
The day closed with a look to the future: next year, Air Astana will launch a direct flight between Almaty and Tokyo, according to Minister Shakkaliyev. Since 1991, Kazakhstan and Japan have built strong partnerships in trade, investment, science, education, and environmental protection – and this new route is set to bring the two countries even closer.