​Brunei Darussalam celebrated its National Day event which featured cultural performance at the National Day Hall “Ray Garden” at the Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai Japan on 7 August 2025, attended by Japanese officials, invited guests from other International Participants as well as visitors.

The event commenced with the raising of the national flags of Brunei Darussalam and Japan, accompanied by the respective national anthems. This was followed by welcoming remarks delivered by Mr. Shigetoshi Ikeyama, Vice Commissioner General of the 2025 World Exposition in Japan and Puan Dr. Hajah May Fa’ezah binti Haji Ahmad Ariffin, Permanent Secretary (Economy, Trade and Industry), Ministry of Finance and Economy, in which both highlighted the enduring and multi-faceted friendship between the two countries. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1984, Brunei Darussalam and Japan have built a close and trusted partnership, ranging from energy cooperation that spans over five decades to collaboration in areas such as infrastructure, maritime security, education, and energy transition. The close ties have also been strengthened through youth exchanges, academic partnerships and cultural understanding. 

The cultural showcase performed by the Senandung Darussalam troupe from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, allowed the audience to experience the beauty, grace, and diversity of our traditional arts – from the royal courts to the fishing villages, from the longhouses of our indigenous communities to the vibrant celebrations of our people. The performances featured the Jipin Tar dance, Dundang-Dundang song, Tipa song, Alai Ashik dance, Kampong Ayer song, Aduk-Aduk dance, Adai-Adai dance, Umak Ruma dance, Seri Brunei song, Puja Usia song, Selendang Kipas dance and Joget Hati Tertawan dance.

The Brunei Darussalam’s delegation also had the opportunity to visit the Japan Pavilion, which includes an on‑site biogas plant that converts Expo-generated organic waste into energy, making the pavilion “alive” and self-sustaining – displaying circular economy in action. Also present were Mr. Wakayama Shinji, Member of the House of Representatives/Member of Japan-Brunei Friendship Association; Pengiran Amir Johan bin Pengiran Haji Ismail, Chargé d'affaires, Embassy of Brunei Darussalam in Tokyo; Japanese senior officials; and representatives of the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition. 

The Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai Japan is being held from 13 April to 13 October 2025 on the Yumeshima Island in the city of Osaka, with the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” Brunei Darussalam’s exhibition is located in the Commons F Pavilion, which features an elegant arch inspired by Indera Buana, the grand entrance to the ceremonial hall at Istana Nurul Iman. Made from thin slats of birch plywood, the arch forms a graceful three-dimensional lattice, reflecting the sacred geometry found in Islamic architecture. Full-height mirrors on both sides reflect the arch endlessly, creating a sense of infinite repetition and symbolising the enduring strength of Brunei’s traditions and cultural values. Since it officially opened, around 693,000 visitors visited the Brunei Darussalam Pavilion. 

- END - 

Prepared by: 

Trade Division 

Ministry of Finance and Economy 

Email: trade.promotion@mofe.gov.bn 

Reference: KKWE/TD/EXPO:12 

Date: 8 August 2025