Coming soon
The Israeli Pavilion is here at
The Osaka, Kansai Expo!
The Pavilion
A Nation Rooted in Time, Shaping Tomorrow
A Nation Rooted in Time, Shaping Tomorrow
Israel is a 77-year-old state with a 3,000-year-old soul—a nation where ancient tradition meets bold innovation. Like Japan, it draws from deep roots while reaching toward the future.
At Expo 2025 Osaka, the Israel Pavilion invites visitors into this unique fusion of time. At its heart stands a 2,000-year-old stone from Jerusalem—a symbol of resilience and renewal, paired with digital projections that showcase Israel’s global impact in health, mobility, cybersecurity, and more.
Surrounding the stone are stories of humanity’s hopes—told through immersive design and timeless prophecy.
The archaeological exhibits
THE STONE
At the center of the Pavilion stands a 2,000-year-old building stone from ancient Jerusalem, flown in especially for the Expo. Once part of a Hasmonean fortress, it now anchors the exhibit titled “Forever.” Biblical verses are projected onto the stone in simple, powerful language—linking Israel’s ancient mission to be a light among the nations with its modern achievements in healthcare, technology, and global aid. Surrounding displays bring these contributions to life through immersive visuals, interactive data, and human stories.
THE LAMP
Greeting guests at the entrance is a 1,700-year-old ceramic oil lamp, unearthed near the Mount of Olives. Adorned with symbols of the Jewish Temple—including the Menorah, now Israel’s national emblem—the lamp is brought to life through shadow animation, projected behind it on transparent glass. This delicate blend of artifact and media art reflects Israel’s enduring aspiration: to spread light in dark times. As visitors pass through, they are welcomed with a timeless blessing in Hebrew, English, and Japanese: “And through you, all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Israel's Contribution to the World
Events at the pavilion
- 4/12 (Sat)
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Expo Osaka 2025 Opening ceremony
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14:00 – 15:10
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EXPO Hall “Shining Hat” and EXPO National Day Hall “Ray Garden”
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The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition
Discover Israel
Israel and Japan together are the Western and Eastern gates to the Asian continent, the
largest continent on Earth, home to 30% of the world's population.
We are both ancient civilizations that have preserved our unique cultures while making
significant contributions to humanity, thanks to the shared characteristics of our peoples:
hard work, innovation, intelligence, and patriotism.
Despite the thousands of kilometers between us, our countries share
long years of friendship and mutual respect.
The Osaka, Kansai EXPO 2025 is a wonderful opportunity to present Israel’s vibrant
identity to a global audience, and particularly to the people of Japan.
At a glance
Israel sits at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, and bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the west
Israel features diverse climates, from arid deserts (hot and cold) to temperate Mediterranean regions with dry summers and warm winters.
Population & Diversity
As of 2024, Israel's population is 9.9 million, comprising 74% Jewish, 18% Muslim, 1.9% Christian, and 1.6% Druze. The gender distribution is nearly equal (49.4% male, 50.6% female).
Tech - Tiny country. Giant ideas
Israel is a powerhouse of innovation. From life-saving medical tech to cyber technologies, from agri-tech to AI, Israel keeps punching well above its weight. We brought you the drip irrigation system, the cherry tomato, the USB flash drive, and much more!
Ranked 15th in the Global Innovation Index, Israel is also a leader in computer science, engineering biology, and smart mobility. Our electric car grid was one of the first of its kind, and Israeli startups continue to disrupt and reimagine every sector, especially healthtech, water tech, and food security.
In short: if it’s bold, smart, and built for the future, there’s a good chance it started in Israel.
Economy - Start-up Nation, Global Impact
Israel is home to the second-highest number of startups per capita in the world, with more NASDAQ-listed tech firms than any country outside the U.S. Over 400 multinational corporations—from Google to Intel—run R&D centers here, drawn by world-class talent and a fiercely creative business culture.
Japan sees the value: more than 80 Japanese companies have set up shop in Israel. Japanese investment in Israeli innovation has surged in recent years, with billions poured into dozens of deals. This sharp rise reflects the deepening partnership between our two economies.
With a highly developed free-market economy, Israel ranks as the 26th largest by nominal GDP and remains one of the most dynamic players in the Middle East and beyond.
Culture - Ancient roots, modern rhythm
Israel’s culture is as diverse and colorful as its people, shaped by a 4,000-year Jewish heritage and enriched by immigrants from over 100 countries.
It is a place where tradition and creativity come together, where Shabbat dinners meet street art, and age-old songs blend with contemporary beats.
From literature and cinema to food, fashion, and music, Israel thrives on daily creativity and global dialogue. With cultural exchange programs and strong ties through language, media, and sports, Israel is not just a crossroads of civilizations. It is a living, breathing celebration of them.
Israel-Japan Cooperation
Israel and Japan stand as the Western and Eastern gates to Asia—ancient civilizations shaped by resilience, innovation, and deep cultural pride. Despite the distance, our friendship is long-standing and heartfelt. We honor heroes like Chiune Sugihara and stand by each other in times of need, as we did after the 2011 Fukushima disaster. Expo 2025 is a powerful moment to share Israel’s diverse, modern identity with the people of Japan, and to celebrate the values that unite us.
Prayers and requests at the
Western Wall
In the heart of the Old City of Jerusalem stands the Western Wall, a 2,000-year-old remnant of the ancient Jewish Temple. For generations, The Western Wall symbolized the yearning of Jews to return to their homeland. Today, millions of visitors from every corner of the globe, both Jewish and non-Jewish, place notes between its ancient stones – a timeless tradition of connecting their most heartfelt prayers directly with this holy place.
Meet Shaloum-chan
With a big heart, bright feathers, and a name that blends Hebrew and Japanese, Shaloum-chan is not your average mascot—she’s a peace-loving parrot with diplomatic flair! Born in 2013 through a nationwide Yuru-chara® contest, Shaloum-chan was chosen from over 500 creative entries submitted to the Embassy’s social media. Her grand debut—complete with full mascot suit and media buzz—made the Embassy of Israel one of the first in Japan to officially adopt a mascot. Since then, Shaloum-chan has been flapping her wings at cultural events, school visits, and even official ceremonies alongside ambassadors. Her name combines Shalom (peace in Hebrew) and Ōmu (parrot in Japanese), and her look says it all: an olive branch in one hand, a Star of David crown on her head, and a message of friendship wherever she goes.
