Since ancient times, the Japanese have believed that spirits inhabit every element of nature, finding life in all phenomena and treating it with reverence. This distinctive sensibility lives on in modern Japanese artistic expression, ranging from traditional crafts and paintings to theater, contemporary anime and even digital art.
At the Osaka Expo, you can immerse yourself in a vibrant showcase of extraordinary cultural expression that illuminates the soul of Japan’s artistry. Thrill to the mesmerizing precision of noh theater’s 700-year legacy, the intricate artistry of bunraku, the puppet theater that first captivated Osaka three centuries ago, the electrifying energy of Ishikawa’s over-a-millennium-old festivals, and contemporary performances and artworks where artists with diverse physical abilities transcend boundaries and create powerful new expressions.
These transformative experiences reveal the profound depths of Japan’s cultural heritage while offering a vision of a future where diversity flourishes and inclusive communities thrive.
Join us at the expo for an unparalleled opportunity to participate in events that represent the dynamic intersection of time-honored tradition and breathtaking innovation that defines Japan’s cultural landscape. Discover the soul of Japan — where past and future unite in harmony.
The World of Nohgaku, Connecting to the future
An art with a 700-year history, noh harmoniously combines dance, music and theater. Directed by the prestigious noh actor Mansai Nomura, this performance centers on oni (demons) — beings through which noh explores human psychology. Backed by lighting and projection mapping, the oni performers captivate the audience, creating an immersive experience that evokes both fear and curiosity. Celebrating Japan’s four seasons, this innovative interpretation features film and animation collaborations, presenting noh from a contemporary perspective while honoring tradition.
Date and times: July 13 (Sun.): 1) 2:30 p.m. (1 p.m. open), 2) 6:30 p.m. (5 p.m. open)
July 14 (Mon.): 1) 3:30 p.m. (2:30 p.m. open), 2) 7 p.m. (6 p.m. open)
Each performance will run for about 45 to 60 minutes.
Venue: East Gate Zone, Expo Hall “Shining Hat”
Capacity: 1,800
URL: https://www.nohgaku.or.jp/expo2025
Demonstration and Special Exhibition: The World of Bunraku
An elaborate form of Japanese puppet theater and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, bunraku originated in Osaka over three centuries ago. This sophisticated art unites a narrator, shamisen player and puppeteers in perfect harmony. With the expo being held in bunraku’s birthplace, visitors can experience this cultural treasure through re-created stages and authentic puppet displays. Multilingual video explanations allow guests to immerse themselves in the world of bunraku — witnessing firsthand the timeless appeal of this enchanting traditional art form.
PERFORMANCE
Dates and time: Aug. 15 (Fri.), 16 (Sat.), 17 (Sun.) in the afternoon.
Capacity: around 50
Venue: East Gate Zone, Gallery East
Services: Consecutive interpretation
EXHIBITION
Dates and times: Aug. 15 (Fri.), 16 (Sat.), 17 (Sun.), 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Capacity: 100
Venue: East Gate Zone, Gallery East
URL: https://www.ntj.jac.go.jp/en/
Ishikawa Festival: ‘Timeless traditions and the Sounds of Noto’s Recovery’
This event showcases Ishikawa Prefecture’s finest traditional festivals and cultural performances at the expo, bringing together celebrations held across the Noto region during summer and autumn. Visitors can enjoy iconic festivities in one location, featuring dynamic exhibitions and hands-on activities including taiko (Japanese drumming) and lion dance. The historic Okuma Kabuto Festival, also known as the Wakubata Festival, is an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property with over 1,000 years of history that presents impressive processions with crimson flagpoles towering above 20 meters, honoring peace and harvests.
Date and time: Aug. 27 (Wed.), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Venue: Future Life Zone, Expo Arena “Matsuri”
Capacity: 10,000
Services: Wheelchair/stroller access; kids and assistance dogs welcome.
Dance Drama ‘Breakthrough Journey’
At this event, Japanese and international dancers from 11 regions blend traditional folk performances with diverse cultural elements. Led by a deaf girl seeking her identity, the unique ensemble includes performers with autism, Down syndrome and chondrodysplasia each presenting their cultural heritage. Around 100 dancers unite their varied backgrounds into a cohesive narrative that crosses language and ability boundaries. Merging traditional performing arts with contemporary dance, the production beautifully exemplifies inclusive coexistence, presenting diversity as tangible, living art.
Date: Oct. 7 (Tue.), 8 (Wed.)
Venue: East Gate Zone, Expo Hall “Shining Hat”
Services: Wheelchair/stroller access, audio guides, simultaneous and sign-language interpretation, multilingual support and written communication.
URL: https://www.expovisitors.expo2025.or.jp/events/7dec2974-a15d-489e-9c07-ecc84d5fc34e
International Festival of Disabled People’s Arts and Culture
This festival celebrates “cultural arts universal tourism,” which aims to integrate artistic expression with accessible travel to build a barrier-free society where everyone can encounter art as a creator and an appreciator. The expo will feature performances showcasing traditional arts, dance and music by diverse groups including artists with and without disabilities alongside professionals. In addition, an exhibition of works by disabled creators and members of the acclaimed Japanese Art Brut will explore what constitutes a society where everyone achieves diverse happiness.
PERFORMANCE
Date and time: Oct. 8 (Wed.) 7 p.m., 9 (Thu.) 5 p.m., 10 (Fri.) 3 p.m.
Venue: East Gate Zone, Expo Hall “Shining Hat”
Capacity: 1,800
EXHIBITION
Date and time: Oct. 9 (Thur.), 10 (Fri.), 11 (Sat.) 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (closes at 4 p.m. on Oct. 9)
Venue: Future Life Zone, Gallery West
Capacity: 2,000
Services: Wheelchair/stroller access, multilingual support (for performance only), written communication, audio guides, simultaneous subtitles and sign language interpretation. Kids and assistance dogs welcome; temporary stroller storage and quiet room available.
