Arab News Japan

TOKYO: The UAE Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo celebrated a major milestone on Monday as it welcomed its 2millionth visitor.

The milestone was marked with a special celebration inspired by Japan’s Tanabata Festival. As part of the celebration, visitors were invited to write their wishes for a better future on custom-designed Tanzaku cards and hang them on the Pavilion’s outdoor signage.

Tanabata is a traditional Japanese festival that has been cherished for generations. Rooted in themes of love, hope and dreams, it invites people to write their wishes on colorful Tanzaku strips and hang them on bamboo branches, with the belief that their hopes will be carried to the sky. 

The celebrations, which drew thousands of participants, featured palm leaves in place of bamboo, echoing the UAE Pavilion’s symbolic date palm. Wishes were hung upon them, transforming the Pavilion’s forecourt into a symbol of dreams and aspirations.

United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Japan Shihab Al Faheem said: “We are deeply honored to have welcomed 2 million visitors to the UAE Pavilion. This reflects the world’s interest, trust, and connection with the UAE’s journey. By celebrating this milestone during Tanabata, we not only honored a cherished Japanese tradition, but also embraced the spirit of cultural exchange that defines Expo 2025.”

The theme of the UAE Pavilion is “Earth to Ether,” and is an immersive multisensory journey through the UAE story, from its cultural heritage to its pioneering future.