Manama, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Governor of the Southern Governorate and Honorary President of the Bahrain-Japan Business and Friendship Society, attended a ceremony hosted by the Japanese Embassy in Bahrain to celebrate the upcoming launch of Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai. The event was also attended by Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), and Okai Asako, the Japanese Ambassador to Bahrain, along with various officials and business leaders. Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali highlighted the strong relations between Bahrain and Japan, noting that the expo combines innovation, technology, and culture to promote societal development and sustainable goals. Preparations for the expo were reviewed during the ceremony. The event will take place on Yumeshima Island in Osaka from April 13 to October 13, 2025, under the theme "Innovating the Future to Improve the Lives of Communities." The Southern Governorate showcased an exhi bition featuring publications and media highlighting its achievements, as well as historical and cultural ties with Japan. Photographs depicting the strong friendship between the Southern Governorate and Japan were also displayed. Ambassador Asako emphasised the partnership between Bahrain and Japan, urging everyone to seize the opportunities presented by the expo. The Kingdom's pavilion will showcase Bahrain's rich heritage and innovative culture, reinforcing its status as a global hub for creativity and development. The evening included cultural events featuring traditional products from Nara Prefecture, alongside a Japanese cultural show to foster cultural exchange. The Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau shared details about Expo 2025, and the Japan National Tourism Organization presented promotional information about tourism and key destinations in Japan. Source: Bahrain News Agency