Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado visited the Romanian Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka on Monday, September 22, where she was welcomed by Commissioner General Ferdinand Nagy, together with the Pavilion team, who offered her a comprehensive tour of the “Romania, Land of Tomorrow” exhibition.
Princess Takamado attended a recital prepared by the musicians of Transylvania University of Brașov, under the guidance of Professor Florin Bălan. The program included the anthem of the Expo 2005 Aichi World Exhibition, “I’ll Be Your Love”, the traditional Japanese song “Sakura”, as well as the well-known Romanian piece “Ciocârlia” (The Lark).
The distinguished guest then visited the exhibition “Hemp – Back to the Future”, curated by architect Teodor Frolu and Dr. Florica Zaharia, emeritus curator of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, as well as the permanent and temporary exhibitions hosted within the Pavilion: the delicate eggshell sculptures by artist Cristina Prisăcariu, the pictorial project “Bucovina, Blue Project” by Roland Pangratti, works by painter Rodica Benitendi, and the watercolor exhibition “Flower Glow” by Loredana Popescu Tăriceanu. Her Imperial Highness particularly appreciated the refinement and diversity of the artistic expression showcased at the Romanian Pavilion.
She also took part with great interest in workshops held in the arts and crafts area by Victor Vulpe, world vice-champion in bespoke shoemaking (London 2023), and ceramic artist Ioana Deak.
During the visit, Her Imperial Highness was presented with a philatelic issue produced by Romania’s National Company Romfilatelia on the occasion of Expo 2025 Osaka. Designed using the overprint technique applied to the original sheet issued in 1970, this issue marks the 55th anniversary of the first Romanian stamp dedicated to Japan, launched on the occasion of Expo 1970 Osaka. This philatelic achievement, of great historical and symbolic value, reflects both Romania’s philatelic tradition and the continuity of cultural relations between Romania and Japan.
As a symbol of friendship and gratitude, Commissioner General Ferdinand Nagy offered Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado a traditional hand-sewn Romanian traditional blouse, marking both her distinguished visit and Japan’s hosting of the third World Expo.
Her Imperial Highness’ visit is a great honor for the Romanian Pavilion and underlines the role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening the excellent bilateral relations between Romania and Japan, as well as in promoting the shared values that bring the two nations closer.
Princess Takamado, a member of the Japanese Imperial Family, is the widow of Prince Takamado, brother of the former Emperor of Japan, Akihito. She studied internationally, including at Girton College, Cambridge, focusing on cultural and educational relations, and later obtained a doctorate in Arts from the Osaka University of the Arts.
Throughout her career, the Princess has played an active role in promoting Japanese culture and cultural diplomacy, representing Japan at numerous international events and supporting initiatives that connect Japan with other countries through art, sports, education, and philanthropy. Through her activities, Princess Takamado contributes to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting shared values between Japan and the international community.