Visit of H.R.H. the Hereditary Grand Duke and Stéphanie Obertin to Osaka

From 15 to 17 July 2025, H.R.H. the Hereditary Grand Duke and Stéphanie Obertin, Minister for Digitalisation and Minister for Research and Higher Education, will visit Osaka as part of Expo 2025. They are accompanied by a substantial economic delegation representing more than 60 companies, underlining Luxembourg's commitment to strengthening its relations with Japan.

Ministerial Mission of Stéphanie Obertin to Tokyo: 14, 15 and 18 July

As part of her trip to Japan, Minister Stéphanie Obertin will lead a mission in Tokyo beginning on 14 July 2025, accompanied by a delegation of representatives from the public and research sectors. Scheduled for 14, 15 and 18 July are meetings with, among others, Japan’s State Minister, Atsushi Nonaka, and key representatives from Japanese sectors to discuss topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data spaces/data valorisation, and bilateral scientific cooperation.

Expo 2025 Osaka and the Luxembourg Pavilion

At the heart of this visit is a tour of Expo 2025, themed “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, echoing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Bringing together representatives from over 150 countries, the Expo showcases innovative solutions to global challenges. Held on the artificial island of Yumeshima, it features cutting-edge pavilions, interactive experiences, and debates ranging from technology to environmental sustainability.

Luxembourg marks its 25th participation in a World Expo with a pavilion designed by the Luxembourg-based firm STDM around the concept 'Doki Doki – The Luxembourg Heartbeat'. The Japanese term “Doki Doki”, evoking the sound of a heartbeat, symbolises excitement, energy, and passion. The immersive pavilion reflects Luxembourg’s open, innovative and sustainable identity through a three-act presentation: a first act celebrating the diversity of Luxembourg’s people, a second highlighting the country’s innovative spirit, and a third offering an immersive journey through Luxembourg’s landscapes. Its circular structure, the traditional “Keelebunn” skittle alley, and the friendly “Häffchen” dining space make it a central hub for exchange.

Upon their respective arrivals, H.R.H. the Hereditary Grand Duke and Minister Obertin are welcomed at the Luxembourg Pavilion by Commissioner General André Hansen and Deputy Commissioner General Daniel Sahr, also the Pavilion Director, for a guided tour.

The delegation then explores the Expo site further, including a walk along the “Grand Ring”, an impressive wooden structure measuring 2 km in circumference and 12 metres in height.

Thematic Seminars on Space and Circular Economy

Alongside the visit, the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, the Luxembourg Embassy in Japan, and the Luxembourg Trade and Investment Office (LTIO) in Tokyo, is organising two economic missions: one focused on the space sector and the other on Health&Tech.

The space-focused mission concludes with the 'Space Afternoon', organised by the Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA) at the Luxembourg Pavilion. H.R.H. the Hereditary Grand Duke, Minister Obertin, and Takeshi Hakamada, founder and CEO of Japanese company ispace, address the audience. They also explore the exhibition “Space for Earth – How space contributes to our planet”, highlighting the essential role of space in achieving the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Attendees can also view models of ispace’s rover and lunar lander – the former designed in Luxembourg.

As part of the “Health&Tech” mission, Minister Obertin takes part in the “Circular Economy Conference” at the Luxembourg Pavilion, focusing on the transition to a circular economy. Dedicated to circular construction and sustainability, the event brings together Luxembourgish and Japanese experts to exchange insights, using the pavilion itself as a concrete example of circular design.

To provide a networking platform for Luxembourgish companies and local stakeholders, an official reception is held jointly by the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce and the Directorate for the Promotion of Foreign Trade and Investment, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, in the presence of H.R.H. the Hereditary Grand Duke and Minister Obertin.

Visit to the Centre for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA) and Iwatani Corporation

The official programme also includes visits to prominent companies.

In Kyoto, H.R.H. the Hereditary Grand Duke, accompanied by Luxembourg’s Ambassador to Japan, Michel Leesch, visits the Centre for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA) at Kyoto University – internationally renowned for regenerative medicine. The delegation is welcomed by University President Nagahiro Minato and CiRA Director Professor Jun Takahashi. The visit offers valuable insight into major advances in cell therapy, regenerative and personalised medicine, and cutting-edge technologies in CiRA’s labs.

A joint visit to Iwatani Corporation, specialising in hydrogen technology and low-carbon solutions, is also planned. H.R.H. the Hereditary Grand Duke and Minister Obertin are received by Senior Managing Officer Hiroshi Fukushima and Kunihiko Koike, General Director of Iwatani’s R&D and Advanced Hydrogen Technology Centres. The facilities reflect both countries' commitment to a sustainable society.

Visits to Thematic and National Pavilions

On the third day of the Osaka mission, the Minister for Digitalisation and for Research and Higher Education visits several thematic and national pavilions at Expo 2025 Osaka: NTT’s pavilion, focused on the telecom infrastructure of the future; the Health Pavilion, showcasing medical innovations; and the 'Future of Life' Pavilion, exploring long-term human-machine interactions.

Press release by the Information and Press Service of the Government / Ministry for Digitalisation / Ministry for Research and Higher Education