OSAKA: With music, dance, and engaging storytelling, Kuwait turned heads at 2025 Osaka Expo on Thursday as it marked its 64th Independence Day with a celebration that blended cultural heritage and future ambition. The day’s events drew large crowds and high-level guests, positioning the Kuwait Pavilion as a standout destination at the international event. The program featured a traditional parade, artistic performances, and the Visionary Lighthouse Show — a multimedia production that traced Kuwait’s journey from its roots to its aspirations under the New Kuwait 2035 vision.
“Our National Day celebration reflects the spirit of Kuwait. It is a moment to honour our heritage and share our hopes for a future built on progress, partnership and innovation,” said Salem Al-Watyan, Commissioner General of the Kuwait Pavilion. “Expo 2025 gives us a powerful opportunity to engage with the world, and we are proud to be part of this global platform.”
The celebration began with more than 100 performers in traditional dress marching through the Expo’s walkways, accompanied by music and dancing. Crowds of international visitors gathered along the route, drawn by the energy and cultural richness of the display. The official ceremony in the National Day Hall featured the Visionary Lighthouse Show, which used choreography, visuals, and sound to reflect Kuwait’s transformation and long-term vision. The performance was designed to leave a strong emotional impression while highlighting national identity and innovation.
Performers bring Kuwait’s cultural heritage to life during a celebration held to make its Independence Day at Expo 2025 Osaka.
In comments to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Watyan described the event as a major success. “It achieved remarkable success in attracting visitors of diverse nationalities, highlighting the richness and diversity of Kuwait’s cultural heritage in a compelling way,” he said. He added that the celebration followed the directives of Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi and was closely overseen by Undersecretary Dr Naser Muhaisen. “The program featured both traditional and contemporary artistic presentations that captivated the audience and reflected Kuwait’s cultural and creative identity,” Al-Watyan said. “We made sure to fuse elements of Kuwaiti folklore with a modern artistic sensibility, offering a sophisticated cultural experience that aligns with the nature of this international event.”
The evening continued at the Kuwait Pavilion with a folklore performance and a striking light show that projected visuals of Kuwaiti desert and marine life onto the building’s facade. The celebration attracted senior Japanese officials including Expo 2025 Minister Yoshitaka Ito and Kuwait’s Ambassador to Japan Sami Al-Zamanan. Since opening, the Kuwait Pavilion — located in the “Empowering Lives” district — has emerged as one of the most visited spaces at Expo 2025. Its blend of architecture, interactive exhibits, and digital storytelling draws thousands of visitors daily. “The success of the National Day is a testament to the dedication of the entire pavilion team and the collaboration with young Kuwaiti artists, which helped deliver a rich and well-rounded experience that expresses the bright face of Kuwait and its cultural and humanitarian presence on the global stage,” Al-Watyan said. — Agencies
