OSAKA, Japan (September 30, 2025) – The twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda proudly celebrated its National Day at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan on September 28 with a ceremonial flag-raising event, followed by a vibrant cultural performance under the theme ‘Wadadli, Wa’Omoni – The Pearls of the Caribbean’.
The showcase captured the spirit of Antigua and Barbuda through music, dance, and storytelling. From the pulsating rhythms of African-inspired drumming and dance to the infectious energy of Carnival and Soca, the performance unfolded as a tapestry of heritage and celebration. With Director of Culture Khan Cordice on the steelpan, Antigua Carnival Soca Monarch Tian Winter providing the vocals, and the Antigua and Barbuda Cultural Group of dancers led by Thyana Sebastian, audiences were captivated by a dynamic fusion of sound, movement, and emotion.
The Antigua and Barbuda Delegation was led by the Honourable E.P. Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs, who delivered remarks at the official ceremony, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to participate in Expo 2025.
“This Expo, under the theme ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives,’ aligns perfectly with our national ethos,” said Minister Greene. “Our pavilion, themed ‘Saving Lives,’ showcases our dedication to environmental preservation, socio-cultural richness, and economic innovation. As we celebrate Antigua and Barbuda’s National Day, let us remember that we are all connected by a shared dream: a future of peace, sustainability, and mutual respect.”
Representing the Government of Japan, Mr. Ito Yoshitaka, Minister in charge of World Expo 2025, speaking through an interpreter, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Antigua and Barbuda and to upholding shared values. He expressed hope that the Expo will continue to deepen ties between both nations.
Since opening its pavilion in April, Antigua and Barbuda has already attracted close to one million visitors an extraordinary demonstration of global interest in the nation’s story and culture.
“Being a part of Japan Expo 2025 is a historic moment for our twin-island state. The admiration for Antigua and Barbuda was overwhelmingly heartfelt,” said Javier Jacobs, Commissioner General for Antigua and Barbuda at Expo Japan, and lead representative for the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority.
“Our participation at Expo 2025 is not only about showcasing our heritage and creativity but heavily focusing on strengthening international friendships and opening doors to new opportunities for cultural exchange, investment and partnership towards sustainable initiatives and tourism growth for mutual benefit,” said Jacobs.
World Expo 2025, continues in Osaka, Japan until October 13, 2025.
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ABOUT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew’da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The twin-island paradise offers visitors two uniquely distinct experiences, ideal temperatures year-round, a rich history, vibrant culture, exhilarating excursions, award-winning resorts, mouth-watering cuisine and 365 stunning pink and white-sand beaches – one for every day of the year. The largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands, Antigua comprises 108-square miles with rich history and spectacular topography that provides a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson’s Dockyard, the only continuously working Georgian era dockyard in the world, and a listed UNESCO World Heritage site, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Antigua’s tourism events calendar includes the Antigua Racing Cup, Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month, the annual Antigua Carnival; known as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival and Antigua and Barbuda Art Week. Barbuda, Antigua’s smaller sister island, is the ultimate celebrity hideaway. The island lies 27 miles north-east of Antigua and is just a 15-minute plane ride away. Barbuda is known for its untouched 11-mile stretch of pink sand beach and as the home of the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere.
Learn more at: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com Follow on social: @AntiguaandBarbuda
For Antigua and Barbuda media enquiries, please contact:
Kayla Christian
Marketing Communications Officer
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
T:1(268) 464-7665
E: kayla.christian@visitaandb.com
