Feature 9 July 2025

UK Pavilion shines at Expo 2025 Osaka

The RSA kicks off a global event series in London spotlighting UK–Japan ties

A large crowd gathers near a canal at dusk, facing a brightly lit modern building with a Union Jack design on its facade. Lights illuminate the area, creating a vibrant evening atmosphere.
Black and white image of Vicky Kington smiling. She has long, wavy hair and are wearing a dark top. The background is plain.
Vicky Kington
Director of Content and Communications
Global

Summary

Our Director of Content and Communications, Vicky Kington, walks through the programme for the RSA’s collaborations at the global event series. The UK Pavilion in Osaka is a beacon for visitors to Japan across the globe and shows the opportunity for continuing collaboration between the two countries; events on the horizon give Fellows and guests in both countries a chance to connect, collaborate and shape a regenerative future together. 

On 28 April, we launched the first in a series of four global events celebrating the UK Pavilion at Expo 2025, the World Expo taking place in Osaka until October.

RSA Chair Sir Loyd Grossman opened the packed event at RSA House (also broadcast online), followed by an introductory speech from Kyoichiro Kawakami, Economic Minister at the Japanese Embassy, and a panel discussion on the importance of the creative industries.

The minister said the distinctive pavilion, which showcases the UK as a place of opportunity and collaboration, had already become a “beacon for visitors from Japan and across the globe”. He added: “The UK holds a special place in the hearts of many Japanese people. People in Japan widely regard British products for their quality and excellence. It is my sincere hope that today’s event is an opportunity for continuing the collaboration between our two countries in the arts and creative industries.”

Speaking ahead of the event, Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Business and Exports, said that Expo 2025 provided a “golden opportunity” to showcase the UK’s creative, digital and technology sectors. “This partnership with the RSA is an opportunity to deepen the already close relationship between the UK and Japan and show how our Plan for Change will support British businesses and sectors that will be proudly displayed at the UK Pavilion.”

Join us at the UK Pavillion in Osaka

We are delighted to invite Japanese Fellows to join us for free at the UK Pavillion in Osaka. Fellows will receive complimentary admission on the days we are hosting our events. Bring a friend who is not yet an RSA Fellow and we can provide an exclusive discount for them to become a Fellow in Japan. For more information email: jessica.robson@rsa.org.uk

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Fellows are encouraged to attend the remaining three co-hosted events, which will each involve a live link-up with Osaka, to hear fresh ideas emerging from the frontline of social innovation, equality, science and technology.

Attend an Expo 2025 event

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Banner with "BECOME A FELLOW TODAY" in bold, and text about RSA Fellowship benefits. Left side shows a vertical strip of diverse, monochrome portraits in purple, orange, and teal squares.
Banner with "BECOME A FELLOW TODAY" in bold, and text about RSA Fellowship benefits. Left side shows a vertical strip of diverse, monochrome portraits in purple, orange, and teal squares.

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Vicky Kington is the RSA’s Director of Content and Communications.