Japan’s outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba used expo diplomacy to reinforce the country’s global standing during the World Exposition in Osaka. Amid growing geopolitical uncertainty, the government leveraged the international event to hold a series of high-level meetings with foreign leaders. Over the course of the Expo, which ran from April to October in Osaka, Prime Minister Ishiba met with around 50 heads of state and government. Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya held an additional 40 meetings. These engagements far exceeded those held during Japan’s last expo in 2005.
Officials say these diplomatic efforts represent a major gain for Japan. The meetings helped strengthen economic and security ties with developing and emerging nations, particularly in the Pacific and the Global South. Approximately 90 world leaders attended the event. Many came from countries with limited prior contact with Japan. This created rare opportunities for direct discussions in a more open, cultural setting. The expo featured national days for each country, offering informal atmospheres for meaningful dialogue.
Government sources emphasized that the friendly setting of the Expo allowed for more productive exchanges. Leaders could engage in discussions free from the formality of traditional summits. These conditions, officials say, boosted mutual understanding and trust.
For example, a meeting between Ishiba and a senior Chinese official preceded Beijing’s decision to resume Japanese beef imports. In another case, discussions with the U.S. Treasury Secretary helped lay the groundwork for a new tariff agreement. Japan’s approach to expo diplomacy shows a clear shift in foreign policy. Instead of relying only on formal international meetings, Japan is now using cultural and economic platforms to build bilateral relationships. Analysts believe this helps Japan adapt to a rapidly shifting global order.
Industry experts also point to long-term benefits. The expo allowed Japan to promote future investment, infrastructure partnerships, and trade opportunities with previously under-engaged regions.
Looking ahead, officials plan to transition from dialogue to implementation. Japan is expected to follow up with concrete agreements, building on the momentum created during the Expo. In summary, Japan’s focus on expo diplomacy has expanded its global reach and created new pathways for cooperation. By turning an international cultural showcase into a diplomatic engine, Japan has positioned itself as a flexible and proactive player on the world stage.
