Arab News Japan

OSAKA: On the 13th day of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, the Palestine Pavilion experienced a stroke of luck, while Bahrain’s pavilion received widespread acclaim.

Additionally, local media reports indicate that flags at the Expo are being flown at half-mast in remembrance of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21.

The long-awaited exhibits finally arrived at the Palestine Pavilion after facing difficulties in getting through Israel. The crafts had been held up at a port because Israel did not permit their transport by ship. Fortunately, permission was eventually granted, and the exhibits arrived late on Wednesday.

Palestine Pavilion Manager Rafat Rayyan told MBS News, “I’m really happy that the exhibits have arrived. I hope that those who see them will understand that Palestine and its people exist.”

The Bahrain Pavilion, a masterpiece constructed by Magara Construction of Kanazawa City, is a sight to behold. Its unique design, inspired by a grand wooden ship, has no vertical pillars and boasts a beautiful, curved shape that has captivated visitors from Japan and beyond.

The pavilion’s motif, a wooden ship symbolizing Bahrain, is brought to life through a special four-storey building that uses a unique structure combining wood diagonally. The theme, ‘Connecting the Seas: A Journey with the Five Senses,’ invites visitors to embark on a sensory voyage.

Designed by the talented Lina Ghotmeh, a female architect from Lebanon renowned for her work on the British Museum, the pavilion is a must-see attraction at the Expo.

Following the Pope’s passing on April 21, pavilions from various countries, including Italy and the Vatican, lowered their flags to half-mast in tribute. At the Italian Pavilion, which features a booth for the Vatican, a sign-in desk was established inside the building where visitors could write condolence messages.

On Thursday, King Frederik of Denmark celebrated Denmark’s National Day by visiting the Expo in Japan. He delivered a speech in Ray Garden, recalling his visit to the Aichi Expo 20 years ago and highlighting the importance of the Expo for mutual understanding and international cooperation.

This marks the King’s first visit to an Asian country since his ascension to the throne last January. The Danish royal family, the oldest in Europe, has close ties with the Japanese imperial family.

A survey by the Asahi Shimbun indicates a notable increase in social media posts about the Expo since its opening. Interest has surged due to unique cultural and technological exhibits, as well as high-profile visits.

Most engagement is in the Kansai region, with Tokyo reflecting only about one-sixth of Osaka’s levels.

The number of posts containing the keywords “Expo” rose from 100,000-200,000 last year to 500,000 in March, reaching 4.6 million in the week after the Expo’s opening on April 13.