Cultural performances, creative showcases and special events for international audiences are set to be featured during the Bahrain Pavilion’s National Day celebrations at World Expo 2025 in Japan, scheduled for September 18.
The occasion is set to highlight Bahrain’s growing presence on the world stage through its Pavilion themed ‘Connecting Seas’ which stands in the Osaka Expo’s Empowering Lives zone, as a striking architectural landmark and meeting point for cultural exchange.
“From the earliest stages of preparing for the Kingdom of Bahrain’s participation at Expo 2025 Osaka through to the Pavilion’s opening and welcoming of visitors, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) has ensured that this national participation is a space where cultural and creative diversity converge,” Bahrain Pavilion director Dana Abdulghani added.
“Through architecture, exhibitions and the arts, the Pavilion offers an all-encompassing experience that proves culture’s power to build enduring bridges between nations.”
Showcasing Bahraini heritage
The National Day celebrations for the Pavilion will be held next month, since the Expo concludes on October 13.
Spanning 995 square metres across four levels and rising 13.7 metres high, the Pavilion has been designed by Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh. Its structure reinterprets the forms of traditional Bahraini vessels, drawing on age-old boatbuilding methods and blending them with Japanese woodworking craftsmanship.
Constructed primarily from wood, the Pavilion uses natural cooling systems, making it one of Expo 2025’s most sustainable pavilions.
Osaka is a large port city and commercial centre on the Japanese island of Honshu. The Pavilion’s location overlooking the sea reflects Bahrain’s maritime heritage and the theme of ‘Connecting Seas’.
The interior has been designed by Bahraini firm Shepherd Studio, whose founder Rashed Al Araifi explained that the exhibitions were crafted around the five senses.
“Our aim was to leave a distinctive mark on the Pavilion by building the experience around the five senses, allowing each exhibition to evoke a different feeling,” he explained.
Visitors move through installations that evoke smell, sound, taste, sight and touch, offering a distinctive exploration of Bahraini heritage and contemporary creativity.
The Two Seas helmet on display
The GDN previously reported that a centerpiece of the Pavilion is the Two Seas special edition helmet, worn by McLaren driver Oscar Piastri at the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix 2025, designed in collaboration with Baca.
Other highlights include a scented experience by internationally acclaimed artist and researcher Sissel Tolaas, which engages visitors through fragrance, and ‘Pearling Legacies: An Audio-Sensory Experience’ by Bahraini artist and researcher Hassan Hujairi, inspired by the traditional art of Fjiri.
Culinary arts also take centre stage with award-winning Bahraini chef Tala Bashmi creating seasonal menus at the Pavilion’s café, that combine local flavours with Japanese ingredients.
Visitors engage with the scented experience
The aim is to give visitors a taste of Bahrain’s evolving food culture while fostering cross-cultural exchange.
Staff and volunteers wear uniforms designed by Bahraini fashion designer Lulwa Al Ameen, incorporating patterns inspired by Bahrain’s coastal and maritime environment.
The Pavilion’s visual identity has been developed by Bahraini firm Quby Creative Consultants.
Inspired by the shared maritime heritage of Bahrain and Japan
“This project is more than just design; it is a story of identity, crafted with pride by a team of Bahraini talents,” the firm’s founder and creative director Banan Al Yaquby noted, adding that the designs drew inspiration from traditional boatbuilding and historic postage stamps as symbols of communication and exchange.
The Pavilion is presented in collaboration with the Economic Development Board, and supported by Alba, Tamkeen, Mumtalakat and the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority.
Content has been enriched with contributions from several other Bahraini companies and institutions, including Bapco Energies, ASRY, GFH Financial Group, Racing Force Group, Danat and Midal Cables.
Expo 2025 Osaka runs until October 13, and is expected to attract more than 28 million visitors from around the world, with participation from approximately 150 countries showcasing cultural heritage, innovation and design.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))