Osaka, Kansai – Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, officially opened its doors this weekend, following a grand ceremony on the 12th of April 2025, attended by Their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress of Japan, along with Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko.
Seychelles proudly represented itself at this landmark event with a delegation including Mrs. Anne Lafortune, Seychelles Ambassador to Japan; Mrs. Bernadette Willemin, Director General for Destination Marketing at Tourism Seychelles; and Mr. Jean-Luc Lai-Lam, Director for Japan and Commissioner General for Expo 2025.
“On behalf of Seychelles, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Japan on the successful opening of EXPO 2025, Osaka, Kansai. This event marks a significant milestone in global collaboration and innovation. We look forward to the next six months of inspiring exchanges and meaningful connections,” said Mrs. Anne Lafortune, Seychelles Ambassador to Japan. “I also encourage visitors to engage with our pavilion and wish the Seychelles team the very best for the duration of the Expo.”
The opening ceremony featured a symbolic handprint gesture, emphasising a collective commitment to building a better world. This act mirrored the Expo’s “Grande Ring,” which symbolises Unity in Diversity, setting the stage for global cooperation and sustainability throughout the six-month event.
Seychelles is showcasing its holistic approach to empowerment through sustainable tourism, culture, aquaculture, and investment, placing people at the heart of progress while promoting resilience and opportunity.
Located in the Commons A Section, the Seychelles pavilion attracted significant visitor interest from the outset. Highlights include captivating displays of unique flora and fauna, such as the legendary Coco de Mer and the iconic Aldabra Giant Tortoise, sparking curiosity and admiration among visitors.
A standout feature of the Seychelles stand is the interactive Handprint System, inviting attendees to pledge for a sustainable future. This experience resonates with the handprint gesture from the opening ceremony, connecting Seychelles’ message to the Expo’s spirit: what we protect today shapes the world of tomorrow.
The pavilion also features immersive video content showcasing Seychelles’ natural beauty, marine biodiversity, cultural experiences and sustainable initiatives, offering an inspiring glimpse into the islands’ environmental efforts and way of life.
In addition, Seychelles’ commercial space is dedicated to B2B meetings, providing a platform for interactions with potential investors and partners interested in opportunities in Seychelles, with a particular focus on aquaculture.
“Expo 2025 provides Seychelles with a powerful platform to share our vision for a more sustainable and inclusive future,” said Bernadette Willemin from the Tourism Department. “Japan remains a strategic emerging market for Seychelles, and we look forward to further growing the market even more.”
The Seychelles delegation, led by the Ministry of Fisheries and the Blue Economy and represented by Mrs. Maria Azemia, Executive Director and Deputy Commissioner for EXPO 2025 also includes representatives from key sectors such as the Tourism Department, the Seychelles National Institute of Culture, Heritage and the Arts, the Seychelles Fishing Authority, and the Seychelles Investment Board, ensuring that the pavilion appeals to diverse interests and market segments.
“Our team has shown remarkable enthusiasm since day one, driven by a genuine passion to share the Seychellois journey with the world,” said Jean-Luc Lai-Lam, Commissioner General for Expo 2025. “We look forward to our continued presence throughout the Expo and the opportunity to engage with more visitors and partners.”
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, runs until the 13th of October 2025. Seychelles’ participation underscores its commitment to global collaboration and sustainable development—grounded in unity, investment, and people-driven progress.
