Luxembourg in the spotlight at Expo 2025 Osaka: Impressions from the National Day celebrations

The festivities began with a moving official ceremony at the National Day Hall “Ray Garden,” attended by H.I.H. Princess Hisako of Takamado and H.R.H. The Grand Duke of Luxembourg. Also present were the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel, the Minister of Defense, for Mobility and Public Works, Gender Equality and Diversity, Yuriko Backes, the Commissioner General of the Luxembourg Pavilion, André Hansen; as well as a business delegation consisting of 62 companies, 5 organisations/institutions, and 71 participants headed by the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce. The warm atmosphere, enhanced by a lyrical performance of Luxembourgish musicians Francesco Tristano and Pascal Schumacher, reflected the deep ties between Luxembourg and Japan.

In the afternoon, the business delegation, Luxembourg nationals and residents present that day at Expo 2025 Osaka — including members of the Luxembourgish community living in Japan — gathered for a reception at the Luxembourg Pavilion, in the presence of H.R.H. the Grand-Duke and ministers Xavier Bettel and Yuriko Backes. The reception offered a warm and informal setting to once again celebrate Luxembourg’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka. In addition to the business delegation initiated by the Chamber of Commerce, representatives of the FDA (Fédération des Artisans) in Luxembourg as well as members of the OAI, Ordre des Architectes et des Ingénieurs-Conseils were also present.

The highlight of the evening was the public concert „Echoes of Tomorrow“, where Luxembourg artists Francesco Tristano, Pascal Schumacher, and Jill Crovisier performed alongside Japanese dancer Maika Fujii. Fusing music, dance, and emotion, the performance captivated the audience and underlined the vital role of culture in connecting people across borders. This powerful performance, witnessed by a large audience, was more than a fusion of artistic talents — it was a dialogue between tradition and innovation, between Luxembourg and Japan. A celebration of artistic freedom, shared creativity, and the transformative power of cultural exchange.

Luxembourg’s National Day left a lasting impression—one of creativity, dialogue, and a shared heartbeat between nations.

Photo copyright: GIE Luxembourg @ Expo 2025 Osaka, Chris Schuff