Vatican City: The Commissioner General for Italy at Expo 2025 Osaka, Mario Vattani, visited Wakayama for a meeting with Governor Shuhei Kishimoto, coinciding with a Radio Wakayama special on the Italy Pavilion.
According to Ansa News Agency, Ambassador Vattani’s visit attracted significant media attention, highlighting the growing interest in Italy ahead of Expo 2025. During a Radio Wakayama interview, Vattani discussed the Italy Pavilion’s features, emphasizing the involvement of young university students in projects linking local products and agriculture. The discussion also touched on promoting local products through thematic itineraries like “Wine Roads,” immersive experiences, and sustainable tourism models. Strategies to guide visitors to lesser-known areas were also highlighted.
In a meeting with Governor Kishimoto, Vattani emphasized the role of Universal Expositions in regional development, citing Expo Milano’s success. He revealed plans for a rotating exhibition of Italian regions at Expo 2025 Osa
ka, fostering collaboration between Italian and Japanese prefectures. Initiatives discussed included promoting local products, engaging businesses and universities, and hosting regional events to showcase Italian and Japanese excellence. Vattani proposed bringing musical events from the Italy Pavilion to Wakayama’s Castle Hall.
Governor Kishimoto viewed the visit as an opportunity to strengthen ties between Wakayama and Italy. He proposed using Expo to invite Wakayama students to the Italy Pavilion, fostering cultural dialogue. Collaborative projects, including integrating Wakayama’s umeshu with Italian wines and cuisine, were discussed. The Governor expressed confidence that Expo 2025 would enhance cooperation and friendship between the regions.
Vattani expressed gratitude for Governor Kishimoto’s hospitality, highlighting Wakayama’s historical and cultural significance. He announced plans for a special Koyasan-Kaigi session at the Italy Pavilion, supported by Professor Sugiyama Masakazu of Rcast. The even
t aims to preserve Expo’s legacy for future generations through thematic discussions and artistic interventions, facilitated by the prestigious Koyasan-Kaigi forum.
Koya-san, a sacred mountain and home to Japan’s Shingon sect, is a key cultural site. The Koyasan Kaigi forum, inspired by Kukai’s teachings, integrates art and science. The upcoming special edition at the Italy Pavilion will foster dialogue between ancient philosophies and future visions, reflecting on Expo 2025’s outcomes and setting the stage for future developments.
