The Romania Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka hosted between September 28–29, 2025, a major event promoting the city of Cluj-Napoca, organized under the aegis of the Romania–Japan Cooperation Center and integrated into the Pavilion’s exhibition program, developed under the theme “Romania, Land of Tomorrow.”
The event showcased the creativity, traditions, and cultural identity of one of Romania’s most dynamic and innovative cities, offering Japanese and international audiences an immersion into the artistic universe of contemporary Transylvania. The activities highlighted the growing interest in Romanian–Japanese collaboration in the Cluj and Transylvania region, across various fields—from culture and education to innovation, tourism, and business.
Throughout the two days, the Romania Pavilion became a lively space of cultural dialogue, where traditional craftsmanship, folk art, and modern creative expressions met in a display of talent and passion.
Visitors were invited to join art and craft workshops led by artisans from Cluj, who brought to Osaka a glimpse of Transylvania’s living heritage: workshops on decorating eggs, crafting traditional Romanian footwear (opinci), and creating folk masks—defining elements of Romania’s national costume. The atmosphere was enriched by thematic exhibitions and the launch of video documentaries introducing Cluj’s innovation and learning ecosystem, highlighting the connection between cultural identity and artistic creativity.
Artistic moments were presented by “Mărțișorul” Student Folklore Ensemble (from Cluj-Napoca Student Culture House), one of Romania’s most representative young folk ensembles. Through dance, traditional costumes, and music, the young artists offered the Japanese audience a vibrant performance in which the authenticity and energy of Transylvania blended with the joy of sharing Romanian culture.
The official segment, held on September 29, featured the presence of Mr. Ferdinand Nagy, Commissioner General of Romania for Expo 2025 Osaka, who delivered a welcoming message to the Cluj delegation and the attending audience, emphasizing the importance of strengthening Romanian–Japanese cultural ties.
The Cluj-Napoca delegation included Ms. Emilia Botezan, Head of External Relations and Investor Coordination, Cluj-Napoca City Hall, Mr. Dorin Marchiș, Founder and President of the Romania–Japan Cooperation Center, Mr. Adrian Răulea, Director of the Cluj Metropolitan Area Intercommunity Development Association and former State Secretary within the Ministry of European Funds and H.E. Mr. Ueda Hiroshi, former Ambassador of Japan to Romania—a symbolic presence marking the continuity and depth of the bilateral relations between Romania and Japan.
The ceremony was also attended by officials from the Osaka City Government, including Ms. Arai Mihoko, Director of the International Relations Department within the Economic Strategy Bureau.
Commissioner General Ferdinand Nagy commended the remarkable initiative launched in Cluj the establishment of the Romania–Japan Cooperation Center—underlining the significance of local communities ’involvement in promoting Romania’s values and identity abroad:
“The Romania Pavilion is more than an exhibition space—it is a bridge between people, ideas, and traditions. Through events such as ‘Cluj-Napoca Days’, we aim to present Japan with the diversity and creative strength of Romania, while reaffirming the friendship that connects our communities,” said Commissioner General Ferdinand Nagy.
During this occasion, Patricia Marchiș, artist from Cluj and doctoral student at the “Gheorghe Dima” Academy of Music, together with Szöcs Botond, pianist and lecturer at the Faculty of Music, Transilvania University of Brașov, delighted the audience with a recital of Romanian and Japanese music. Their performance intertwined motifs from the Transylvanian identity tradition with interpretations of famous works from the Japanese repertoire, adding artistic depth and refinement to the official program.
The “Cluj-Napoca Days” event at the Romania Pavilion once again demonstrated the role of culture as a means of dialogue between nations—capable of uniting generations, communities, and perspectives. Through dance, music, art, and craft, the event transformed the Pavilion into a space of friendship and openness, offering the Japanese audience an authentic, emotional, and colorful experience.
The events dedicated to Romanian cities and regions within the Pavilion’s cultural program represent valuable opportunities to promote the country’s cultural and regional diversity, contributing to the image of a modern, creative Romania deeply rooted in its values.
Through this event, Cluj-Napoca, one of Romania’s major cultural centers, reaffirmed its openness to the world and its commitment to international cooperation.
The event was part of the broader series of initiatives through which Romania presents at Expo 2025 Osaka its identity, values, and creative potential.
Background Context
On May 9, 2025, the opening ceremony of the Romania–Japan Cooperation Center took place in Cluj, in the presence of H.E. Takashi Katae, Ambassador of Japan to Romania; Emil Boc, Mayor of Cluj-Napoca; Maria Forna, Prefect of Cluj County; Dr. Maria Metz, CEO of NTT Data Romania; Prof. Dr. Călin Hințea, Dean of the Faculty of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences, Babeș–Bolyai University; and Mr. Dorin Marchiș, President of the Romanian Aikido Aikikai Foundation.
The initiative aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fields of innovation, education, culture, and research, in the spirit of the strategic partnership between Romania and Japan.