Expo 2025 in Japan a curious beast as Ireland joins nations vying to show off heritage

Taoiseach arrives in the sweltering Osaka heat to visit the Ireland pavilion, featuring a black room illuminated only by spotlights, with the sounds of Irish wildlife and a diorama of a bog from back home

Taoiseach Micheál Martin at the Expo 2025 Pavilion in Osaka, Japan.

The Expo 2025 in Japan is a curious beast.

One Irish official likened it to a crossover between the National Ploughing Championships and the Eurovision, with countries from across the globe represented, but each trying to outdo the other with bespoke pavilions showing off their national culture and heritage.