Expo 2025 Osaka: Successful Participation and Recognition for the Luxembourg Pavilion, a Model of Circular and Sustainable Reuse
This 25th participation of the Grand Duchy in a World Expo proved to be a resounding success: with a daily capacity of 2,250 visitors, the Pavilion regularly reached full attendance, welcoming a total of 378,000 visitors between April and October 2025.
Designed by the Luxembourg-based architecture firm STDM according to the principles of the circular economy, the Luxembourg Pavilion captivated Expo visitors with its leitmotif “Doki Doki – The Luxembourg Heartbeat”, the Japanese expression describing joyful and enthusiastic heartbeats. Its three-act scenography presented to a predominantly Japanese audience an open and diverse Luxembourg, highlighting the creativity of its people, their entrepreneurial spirit, and the beauty of the country’s landscapes. According to several surveys, Luxembourg ranked among the ten most popular foreign pavilions.
Throughout the six months of the Expo, the Luxembourg Pavilion hosted numerous high-level, ministerial delegations, notably during the National Day on 30 May in the presence of H.R.H. the Grand Duke, during the sectoral economic missions in July led by H.R.H. the Hereditary Grand Duke, or the opening ceremony in April attended by Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel.
Close cooperation between the GIE and the Chamber of Commerce
Economic ties between Luxembourg and Japan were further strengthened through several trade missions coordinated by the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, bringing together more than 160 participants from 95 Luxembourgish companies. In May, a multisectoral mission paved the way for two targeted missions in July, focusing on the fields of space, technology, and healthcare.
The Chamber of Commerce was a key partner of the Luxembourg State within the GIE Luxembourg @ Expo 2025 Osaka, the economic interest group jointly created by the Luxembourg State and the Chamber of Commerce, responsible for planning, building, operating, and dismantling the Luxembourg Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.
Luxembourgish know-how was also showcased through its companies, notably Cargolux, which handled logistics as part of a sponsorship partnership, and Virtual Rangers, in collaboration with Artec3d, who developed the Pavilion’s digital application.
Craftsmanship, culture and gastronomy in the spotlight
The Pavilion also highlighted Luxembourg’s craftsmanship and creativity. The traditional nine-pin bowling alley (“Keelebunn”), created by students from the Lycée Emile Metz, trainers from the CNFPC, and Luxembourg’s last skittle-lane builder, Georges Linster, symbolised the link between tradition and innovation.
An “Intra-Pavilion Championship” was even organised, open to teams from various national pavilions – and ultimately won by the Japanese team. Students from the École d’Hôtellerie et de Tourisme du Luxembourg (EHTL) managed on-site catering, offering visitors a unique culinary experience of Luxembourg. A pastry competition, organised in collaboration with the Chambre des Métiers and the EHTL, resulted in six original desserts inspired by the Pavilion’s theme. In October, Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel presented the award for the best dessert to Stéphane Muller (Pâtisserie Cayotte) for his creation “Cœur de joie / Heart of Joy”, chosen by visitors.
A model of sustainability rewarded
The Luxembourg Pavilion was “circular by design” – conceived according to circular economy principles to ensure that many of its components could be reused after dismantling (“designed for disassembly”).
For instance, the modular concrete blocks used for the Pavilion’s foundations will be reused by Nesta Resort Kobe, a theme park located near the city of Kobe. The lightweight membrane roof will also enjoy a second life, transformed into leather goods by the brand SEAL. In addition, the exterior panels will be reused by the Japanese company Shinko Construction Co., Ltd.
This circular concept was recognised on 12 October 2025 during the “Ceremony of Prizes and Awards” held on the occasion of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) Day at the Expo. The BIE “Sustainability Award” was presented to the Luxembourg Pavilion in the category of self-built pavilions with a surface area under 1,500 m².
The distinctions awarded during the “Ceremony of Prizes and Awards” celebrated those who made a significant contribution to the success of Expo 2025 Osaka. The laureates were selected by an international jury of nine experts following two visits in May and October 2025 to all Expo pavilions.
A lasting friendship between Luxembourg and Japan
Luxembourg’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka stands as a testament to the enduring strength of ties between the two nations. The year 2027 will mark the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Luxembourg and Japan – a relationship that this World Expo has helped to further strengthen in a spirit of openness, sustainability, and exchange.
For further information, please read the official press release by the responsible ministry here.
