Past Events
A look back at special moments
A lot has happened on the Culture Stage at the German Pavilion: concerts, shows, engaging talks, and inspiring encounters.
In our archive, you’ll find the highlights of past events at the German Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka – a retrospective of moments full of culture, creativity, and Wa!
Blumio 13.04.– 19.04.2025 & 11.-12.10.2025
Known for his creative lyrics full of message, wit and humour, Blumio will make the stage shake. We are delighted to welcome the german rapper with japanese roots, Blumio from Düsseldorf to the Pavillon! With the project ‘BLUMIO X GOETHE’, he raps in 12 videos in German and Japanese about the cultural differences between Japan and Germany, thus building a bridge for German-Japanese friendship.
Art house at the River 17.04. & 24.04.2025
Experience the fascinating project „Arthouse at the River“ with initiators Yini Tao and Irene Wieland, which focuses on the intercultural exchange between the German and Japanese art scenes. In exciting live talks, the artists open a dialogue on topics such as cultural identity, the role of women in art, and transnational collaboration. Immerse yourself in the creative processes and let yourself be surprised by the unique fusion of cultures and perspectives.
Roast Apple 22.04.– 26.04.2025
Hamburg-based indie pop band Roast Apple with their brand new EP ‘Slowly Losing Ground’ bring a mix of funky guitars, catchy beats and songs that reflect the band’s life – sometimes light, sometimes profound. Roast Apple embodies true friendship and handmade indie pop that invites you to tap along and creates a great live atmosphere. Come along and let their sound take you on a special musical journey!
Karidion Brass 13.05.– 18.05.2025
It is a pleasure to welcome the impressive brass quintet Karidion Brass to our cultural stage! Since 2015, the five professional musicians have been combining baroque masterpieces with modern jazz influences and presenting unique arrangements. Come along and experience the powerful music of Karidion Brass live!
Robert Kretzschmar 27.05.– 31.05.2025
With his captivating indie pop sound, Robert Kretzschmar has built an impressive career that includes solo projects as well as collaborations in Europe and Japan. His versatility as a musician – from drums to piano to vibraphone – gives every performance a special depth and warmth. Come along and experience the in Berlin living musician who stirs emotions with his music and captivates the audience!
Women in Tech 23.04.2025
With Chika Yamamoto and Noha Salama.
In an era of rapid change, cross-border cooperation is essential for fostering meaningful innovation. Germany and Japan, two global leaders in technology and sustainability, have a unique opportunity to work together to develop solutions that shape the future. As Managing Director of Crossbie GmbH, I have experienced first-hand how cultural exchange and different perspectives lead to breakthrough innovation. This keynote will explore how Germany and Japan can leverage their strengths, promote diversity, and empower women as innovation ambassadors to shape a more inclusive, sustainable, and globally connected future.
Helga Griffith 30.04.– 03.05.2025
Fungal Entanglement is a video project that uses microscope images to provide deep insights into the mysterious world of fungi. The film introduces, among other things, fungi that can degrade plastic molecules. It establishes connections between the hidden web-like structures of fungi and, for example, the neural network in our own bodies. The film encourages us to reflect on evolution and the wonders of genetics, to explore the world of fungi and nature, and to work together towards a sustainable world.
JYMMiN 17.05.2025
The „Music-Evoked Brain Plasticity“ group at the Max Planck Institute researches how music can be effectively used in rehabilitation and fitness. By targeting emotional-motor control, specific musical activities can enhance performance. A technology developed at the institute, called JYMMiN, allows users to control music through movement. It can boost motivation, reduce pain, and improve cognitive function.
Kurt Holzkämper 19.05.2025
Kurt Holzkämper talks about his sound installation that gives voice to the moors. Though they cover just 2–3% of Earth, moors store nearly half of global soil carbon — yet they’re being drained and degraded. Holzkämper’s project, inspired by Stockhausen, turns this fragile ecosystem into an immersive “Swamp Rhapsody,” using field recordings and biodata from a rewetted German peatland. Tune in as he shares how art, science, and climate awareness come together.
Smarter Habitat 19.05. & 20.05.2025
Datty Ruth and Florian Kluepfel present their innovative building system made from hemp and corn, redefining sustainable construction. Under the title “Turning Hemp and Corn into a Game-Changing Construction Material”, they demonstrate how natural raw materials can be transformed into circular, CO₂-saving buildings.
The German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence 20.05.2025
The German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) is one of the world’s leading AI research institutions, bringing together more than 1,500 researchers from 80 countries. Osaka Metropolitan University has been closely collaborating with DFKI for almost 30 years, dating back to its predecessor, Osaka Prefecture University. This partnership includes joint research projects and staff exchanges in areas such as image processing, educational technology, and medical AI. In this lecture, Professor Andreas Dengel (DFKI), Professor Koichi Kise, and Professor Shoya Ishimaru (Osaka Metropolitan University) will discuss key insights for advancing international research. Dengel leads numerous international projects, Kise has been a long-standing research partner, and Ishimaru completed his doctorate in Germany under Dengel. The event aims to openly explore both the success factors and the challenges of Japanese-German cooperation.
German Institute for Japanese Studies in Tokyo 22.05.2025
Sustainability and Digital Transformation Join us in this session to explore our research on Sustainability and the Digital Transformation that we conduct at the German Institute for Japanese Studies in Tokyo. Five members of our team share some of their exciting findings: about the metaverse, about the digitalization of health, about the role of pets in society, about the green transformation, and about the history of the Expo – and all this comparing Germany and Japan. Stop by and find out more!
Vrady 23.05.-26.05.2025
Juliana and Andrey – the artist duo Vrady – present their latest project Future Blender in an exciting talk. The duo combines their personal visions of the future with human emotions by recognizing facial expressions in real time and transforming them into artistic visualizations. Answer questions about the future and see how your emotions are turned into a unique visual experience. A fascinating artwork that creatively unites technology and emotion – let yourself be inspired by this interactive installation!
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen 22.05.2025
An exciting lecture focussing on the future of media handling. Under the title „Sustainable use of media – whether printed or digital, Printing 2025 – everything for the bin or future-proof? ’, our experts will discuss what sustainable practices in the printing industry could look like.
Gardening Workshop German School Kobe 23.05.-26.05.2025
On our stage today: Toshiki Tanisaki, who replanted the Pavilion Garden together with students from the German School Kobe (DSK). In an interactive workshop, the students not only redesigned the garden beds but also learned a great deal about sustainable gardening and environmental awareness. In the stage talk, he shares insights into the experiences, challenges, and successes — and discusses the role of education, engagement, and biodiversity in urban spaces. Stop by, listen in, ask questions — and see how young people are taking responsibility for a greener future.
Schueco Japan + AIA International 29.05. & 30.05.2025
Experts including Mathieu Meur (Singapore Pavilion, Expo 2025) and Lu Chong (SHBO) explore how digital tools enable bold, sustainable façades that balance design, performance, and ESG goals. Furthermore, Akio Saruta (Kengo Kuma and Associates), Scott Gold, and Finnick Kang (NorthGlass) share perspectives on collaboration, natural materials, and energy-efficient solutions in contemporary design.
The Japanese Tea House in the German Capital 27.05.2025
In 2022, the Humboldt Forum, Germany’s largest cultural centre with an area of 100,000 square metres, opened in Berlin. It houses three museums and numerous exhibitions. One highlight is a Japanese tea house designed by architect Jun Ura from Kanazawa. Hans-Dieter Hegner, chairman of the Humboldt Forum Foundation, which built and operates the Humboldt Forum, presents this tea house.
Tomoaki Makino 03.06.2025
Live Talk with Tomoaki Makino on the Culture Stage of the German Pavilion Japanese soccer legend Tomoaki Makino visits the German Pavilion. On the Cultural Stage (access without queue) he will talk about his career, his experiences as a Japanese in Germany and what connects us culturally. If you’re lucky, you can also get his autograph.
The family home: Germany’s favorite way of living 03.06.2025
The lecture by Georg Lange provides a brief overview of the most important milestones that have influenced building and living in Germany over the last 80 years.
Designing History in Japan and Germany 07.06.2025
Graphic design has been shaping people’s everyday lives for around 150 years. researchers Jens Müller and Katharina Sussek have conducted intensive research into the development of visual identities in Germany and japan and the similarities and differences in design development in both countries.
Makoto Hasebe 11.06.2025
Japanese football Bundesliga legend and national team player Makoto Hasebe will visit the German Pavilion. On the Culture Stage (no waiting in line required), he will talk about the differences between the J.League and the Bundesliga, the athletic and cultural challenges of moving to Germany, and formative experiences during his active career in Frankfurt. He will also share how he became a permanent part of the German Pavilion as a Culture Friend. Afterwards, he will be available to answer questions from the audience.
Brothers Grimm Fairytales Reloaded 12.06-14.06.2025
The Theater-AG of the German School Tokyo Yokohama will bring a four-part play based on the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm to the stage of the German Pavilion. In search of fear and its origins, you will accompany the protagonists on an adventurous journey from Osaka via Hanau and Bremen through the Black Forest to beautiful Merseburg at the river Saale. Let the live music and singing whisk you away to a modern fairytale world and marvel at the artistic achievements in the self-written play.
National Day German Pavilion 20.06.2025
On Germany’s National Day at the National Day Hall, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier delivered the keynote speech, accompanied by a cultural program featuring Alice Sara Ott and a German-Japanese version of Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” Afterwards, Steinmeier, Federal Minister Dorothee Bär, astronauts, and experts from Japan and Germany took part in the “Beyond Planet Earth” event, discussing space exploration as a key to sustainability and future technologies.
Classic Night at Wa! Germany 22.06 & 29.06.2025
Welcome to the Classic Night at Wa! Germany. In Cooperation with the classlical music lable „Deutsche Grammophon“, the biggest classic music lable and home to several famous classic artist all around the globe, we invite you to a virtual music experience that celebrates dialogue between cultures. Let yourself be captivated by the richness and depth of German classical music – interpreted by artists whose roots lie between Germany and Japan. This night is a reminder that music connects – across borders, generations, and stories.
Goethe Institut Japan 20.06.2025
The future starts now: What lifestyles, working conditions, and materials shape life today in Germany and Japan? At EXPO 2025 in Osaka/Kansai, participants ask: How can we design a future society based on our experiences as artists, cultural workers, and everyday people? Is high tech, AI, and robotics enough – or do we also need cultural technologies, and if so, which ones?
Kammerchor Michaelstein 04.07.2025
Founded in 1991, the Michaelstein Chamber Choir is known as a musical ambassador of Germany. In summer 2025, the ensemble will tour Japan again. Under the theme “Musical Landscapes of Germany · ドイツの音楽風景”, the choir presents 400 years of choral music – from Schütz to Schumann, from folk song to motet. Performances will take place in Tokyo, Hamamatsu, Takarazuka, and at EXPO 2025 in Osaka.
THW CURSOR Forschungsprojekt 19.07.2025
The EU-funded research project CURSOR brought together an international consortium to design and develop innovative solutions to increase the safety and efficiency of first responders during their operations. During the project, a miniaturised search robot (SMURFS) was developed that can locate people under rubble and an information and communication system to support the decision-making of first responders.
Merck 31.07.2025
Have you ever considered the profound changes that medical advancements have brought to our lives? From the discovery of antibiotics to the latest mRNA vaccines, and the groundbreaking progress in cancer treatments, these innovations have dramatically transformed our world. Let’s open the door to a healthy and bright future together.
Sophie Steiner & Yamamoto Noh Theater 01.08. & 02.08.2025
No(h) Limits: When tradition meets innovation! At this special program on our Culture Stage, Japanese Noh theater merges with Western music – with the harp as a unique highlight. Harpist Sophie Steiner and Noh artist Yoshie Yamamoto invite you to an extraordinary experience of performance, workshop, and talk.
Konstantin Reinfeld & Benyamin Nuss 05.08.-09.08.2025
Let yourself be carried away into the world of video game music. As a duo, Konstantin Reinfeld and Benyamin Nuss bring video game worlds to life in a beautiful and emotional way with harmonica and piano. A musical genre that speaks more than just one language.
University of Hamburg 07.08.2025
In an interview, Prof. Dr. Oezaslan (Univ. of Hamburg) and Prof. Dr. Kakinuma (Univ. of Yamanashi) present the Japanese-German Green Hydrogen Material Laboratory. Afterwards, Dr. Hasché and David Sauss introduce Hydrogen Terminal Braunschweig – a German research facility along the green hydrogen value chain.
Video Game Music, the Genre of the Future?! 09.08.2025
Space travel, medieval adventures, fairy-tale wilderness – as diverse as video game worlds are, so is their music. Composer Yoko Shimomura offers insights into the world of video game music and, together with Konstantin Reinfeld and Benyamin Nuss, explores the possibilities and unique qualities of this underrated genre.
City of Mannheim 11.08.2025
Mannheim, a city in southwestern Germany, is the birthplace of the bicycle and automobile – and now the city with the fastest growing rate of foreign direct investment in the world. Mayor Christian Specht will share his insights on how he is leading the sustainable transformation of the city, and explain why so many Japanese companies have chosen to invest in the region.
Can robots have consciousness? 14.08.2025
Dr. Ralf Otte, Professor of Artificial Intelligence at the Technical University of Ulm, Germany, explains the current situation. To find out whether robots have or could soon have consciousness, we need to understand what consciousness actually is. The humanities have been discussing consciousness for 2000 years, but is there also a scientific approach? Or is consciousness outside the realm of physics?
Ensemble Pretzel 17.08.2025
The Ensemble Pretzel, an chamber music ensemble of members who have studied in Europe, primarily in Germany, the home of classical music, and are active in orchestras, will be performing in Japan this summer. Programme: Adolf Busch: Quintet for Alto Saxophone and String Quartet, Op. 34 Kurt Weill: „The Silver Lake: a Winter’s Fairy Tale“ Sextet Version Saxophone: Hiroaki Taewook Ahn Violin: Megumi Okaya Violin: Yuri Katsumata-Monegatto Viola: Kei Tojo Cello: Guilherme Nardelli-Monegatto Piano: Yuka Morishige
NEW bauhaus – Platform for new Planing and Construction
How can future planning and construction be well designed with climate adaptation and resource scarcity in mind? The Federal Foundation for Baukultur and the NEW bauhaus initiative will discuss aspects ranging from project organization of interdisciplinary administrative structures to the so-called „Phase Zero“ and dual research formats to civic engagement for more Baukultur („building culture“).
Munich Harp Quartett 19.08.-23.08.2025
The Munich Harp Quartet sets musical highlights at Expo 2025 Osaka, enriching the cultural program of the German Pavilion with extraordinary concerts. The four harpists – Lara Fonseca (Portugal), Veronika Seiler (Germany), Alice Proffit (France), and Lauren Schrempp (USA) – surprise audiences with a creative and unconventional repertoire that completely redefines the traditional perception of the harp. Arranged by Willi Maerz.
Christian Benning Percussion Group – BEAThoven 28.08.-31.08.2025
The Christian Benning Percussion Group brings Bach, Beethoven & Strauss to the stage with BEAThoven – reimagined through pure percussion. With marimba, vibraphone & more, five outstanding musicians transform classical music into the future – live at the German Pavilion.
What’s the Rhythm of the Game!? 29.08. & 30.08.2025
With „What’s the Rhythm of the Game!?“ Christian Benning shows how rhythm sharpens precision, timing, and creativity in pro sports. Developed with Holger Geschwindner and tested with top athletes, his vision bridges music, sport, and science in innovative training.
Uli Jon Roth 30.08.2025
At the end of his Japan tour, Uli Jon Roth performs two concerts in Tokyo, including one with an orchestra. On the 30th, he travels to Osaka to discuss the upcoming “East meets West” collaboration with renowned conductor Junichi Hirokami.
German Federal State Week – Rhineland-Palatinate 31.08.-02.09.2025
Welcome, Rhineland-Palatinate!
From 31 August to 2 September, the German Pavilion will spotlight Rhineland-Palatinate – a region rich in heritage, wine, innovation, and industry. Three themed days await: 31.08. Day of Chemistry with BASF 01.09. Day of Artificial Intelligence with DFKI 02.09. Football & Wine with World Cup champion Erik Durm
The Expo Script: The Political Economy of the Nation State Image Management 06.09.2025
All expos follow particular “scripts.” But what are these “scripts” and where do they come from? Is there a specific strategy of image management at World expos? Does the function of expos change, over time? The presenters from Europe, Asia and North America, will compare the image management of states in- and outside of World expos, past and present. They ask how countries such as China, Germany, Japan, and the United States have used and continue to use expos to gain attention.
Special Relationship: Awa Odori at WA! Germany 07.09.2025
Tokushima Prefecture has maintained cultural exchange with Germany for around 100 years, including sending Awa Odori dancers and collaborations in culture, sports, education, and business. Awa Odori performers live on our stage celebrate the friendship between Germany and Tokushima.
Magazine – JET 08.09.-09.09.2025
First, we go on a journey across Japan with three JET participants, exploring the 50-year friendship between Shimotsuke-shi and Dietzhölztal and the partnership between Tokushima Prefecture and Lower Saxony. Next, we move from places to language, exploring German’s mysterious, beautiful, and untranslatable words. You will hear them in action, play with their meanings, and discover why German is quirky and fun. Get ready to laugh, learn, and dive into the fascinating world of German!
Magazine – Zeiss 09.09.2025
How can we achieve marine conservation for a sustainable future?
Dr. Yuko Tajima, a marine mammalogist at the National Museum of Nature and Science and Japan’s foremost expert on marine mammal research, will discuss the “current state” of the oceans, including marine pollution, as revealed through investigations and necropsies of stranded whales and dolphins. Initiated by the investigation of whales stranded ashore, this 30-minute session invites you to consider the connection between global environmental issues and human society, to protect the oceans, and to reflect on our relationship with the sea.
Piano meets Science – Magnificent Matter & Sofi Paez 09.09.-13.09.2025
Magnificent Matter, a Berlin-based artist collective founded by Maximilian Schertz and Alexander Poletajev, explores the boundaries between art and science through microscopy. Their stagings reveal the beauty of microscopic worlds and merge abstract art with scientific rigor. Accompanied by classical music performed by pianist Sofi Paez, they create immersive worlds of sound and imagery. A new kind of visual journey that invites the audience to engage deeply with art.
Connecting through UTSUWA – The „Wa“ 11.09.2025
Community, Circularity, and Harmony Between Japanese and German Artisans: Witness the collaborative craftsmanship of Japanese and German artisans as they assemble a Japanese-style room. Discover the secrets of tatami, fusuma sliding doors, and wood joinery. Don’t miss the chance to experience the cultural differences in Japan-Germany hand plane techniques during the shaving contest!
German Federal State Week – Berlin 15.09.-21.09.2025
This week, the German Pavilion invites you to Federal State Week, with a focus on Berlin. Look forward to a varied programme that showcases the creative and innovative side of the capital. From interactive gaming, quiz and bingo sessions to exciting DJ workshops and live performances by Annie O, inspiring fashion workshops, a marathon livestream and many other highlights. Experience Berlin at its most colourful – creative, lively and international.
Choir Concert Camerata Carolina 22.09.2025
Who lost their heart in Heidelberg? We certainly did, because we are the chamber choir of the International Study Center at Heidelberg University. Heidelberg is Germany in a nutshell. From the city of German Romanticism, we present you songs from the Romantic period, but also from the modern era. Would you like to hum or sing along to one or two of the songs? Just go ahead and let’s enjoy ourselves together!
Magazine – Schäffler 23.09.2025
Schaeffler Japan, headquartered in Germany, will present on sustainability. Please stop by and join us in thinking about sustainability together.
German Federal State Week Bavaria 25.09.-27.09.2025
The German Pavilion invites you to Bavaria Week and presents a programme that brings together Bavarian tradition and modern culture. Look forward to a hearty Oktoberfest party, rousing electronic sets by DJANE Julia Diamond, atmospheric performances by the Edelweisskapelle, impressive yodelling performances and a special presentation by master brewer Stephan Rager. Experience music, the art of brewing and Bavarian hospitality — down-to-earth, lively and surprisingly diverse. Don’t miss this opportunity to get to know Bavaria from a very special perspective.
Magazine – Electromobility’s Circular Leap: From Fleets to a Sustainable Digital Ecosystem 29.09.2025
Electric vehicles need an integrated ecosystem, not just a battery swap. eMotion Fleet shows how unifying vehicle, charging, and energy management, based on real-world pain, can generate a lower cost than conventional vehicle. The automated, circular system is the economic blueprint for sustainable transport, removing managerial burden and driving mass adoption. Profitability meets the planet.
Magazine – DLR 02.10.2025
In order to reduce CO2 emissions, a hydrogen-based energy economy is being developed, with the production of hydrogen and non-fossil derivatives at the centre of attention. Indeed, sectors such as the chemical industry and aviation, which cannot be fully electrified, depend on the availability of climate-neutral fuels at an acceptable cost and will therefore need large quantities of hydrogen, basic chemicals, and kerosene produced from renewable energies in the future. Among the various methods of sustainable hydrogen production, the use of solar energy is promising and will be presented.
Magazine – The Leibniz Association. Uniting Minds for Impactful Research 29.09.2025
Innovation arises when knowledge is shared and developed further. Within the Leibniz Association, 96 institutes and research museums collaborate across disciplines and borders. Dr. Ewa Adamkiewicz, together with Professors Hajo Zeeb (BIPS) and Markus Huff (IWM), will discuss why scientific progress today depends on exchanging perspectives, methods, and cultures. They will also present Leibniz networks such as the ScienceCampi, the Leibniz Labs, and international Research Alliances.
German Federal State Week – Saxony 01.10.2025
Der Deutsche Pavillon feiert Sachsen – eine Region, in der Tradition und Innovation Hand in Hand gehen. Erleben Sie die eindrucksvollen Klänge eines traditionellen Bergmusikkorps, probieren Sie sächsische Spezialitäten und entdecken Sie jahrhundertealtes Handwerkswissen. Bewundern Sie die Schönheit der Porzellankunst mit einer Live-Bemalung, begegnen Sie dem historischen Kurfürsten August dem Starken auf der Bühne und lassen Sie sich vom erzgebirgischen Holzkunsthandwerk verzaubern, das zum UNESCO-Kulturerbe zählt.
Magazine – Coopolis : Rural Revitalization by Creative Industries in Germany and Japan 04.10.2025
Coopolis: Rural Revitalization by creative industries in Germany + Japan. Artistic residencies are a catalyst for the revitalization of rural areas. Ms. Stefanie Raab will present the Center for Circular Art in Lübz, which is part of the EXPO exhibition. The approach will be discussed with local colleagues Mr. Naoki Ezoe and Ms. Ryoko Baba settled in Ukiha, Fukuoka Prefecture and Prof. Christian Dimmer, Waseda University Tokyo.
Magazine – Scientific exchange between Japan and Germany – insights by JSPS Alumni 07.10.2025
Club members will showcase the diversity of German-Japanese scientific exchange. Look forward to exciting short presentations ranging from robots and dinosaurs to questions about the future.
Magazine – Japamburg 08.10.2025
Creative Cities Connect (CCC) is a new platform linking Hamburg and Osaka to foster collaboration between creativity, business, culture, and academia. Running in parallel to Expo 2025, CCC explores how the two partner cities can jointly respond to today’s societal challenges and build sustainable structures of cooperation. We warmly invite you to a short presentation of the project by its director, Thomas Schlottmann, followed by a panel discussion with Mr. Schlottmann, Johannes Budkiewitz from Japamburg, and Ms. Mihoko Arai Director of the City of Osaka’s Intercity Exchange Division. Together, they will share perspectives on how Hamburg and Osaka can move from one-off encounters to long-term collaboration.
