Osaka: Italian art is the protagonist of Art Talks, a series of meetings and dialogues on the masterworks exhibited in the Italy Pavilion and the Holy See Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. The synergy between the two countries was represented by the presence of Barbara Jatta, the director of the Vatican Museums, who spoke about the long journey that brought Caravaggio’s masterpiece The Deposition to Osaka. Andrea Lembo, the auxiliary bishop of Tokyo, and Italy’s Consul General in Osaka Filippo Manara were with her.
According to Ansa News Agency, Jatta emphasized the importance of sharing a significant piece from the Vatican Museums’ collection during the Jubilee Year, for a period of six months. This effort was also highlighted by Ambassador Mario Vattani, the Commissioner General for Italy at Expo 2025 Osaka, who emphasized the significance of the day’s other presentations. Vattani described the pavilion as an active space for discussing relations between Italy, Japan, and other countries, embodying the true spirit of the Expo.
Stefano Riccardi, director of the Holy See Pavilion, also expressed this sentiment. He noted the enchantment of Japanese visitors who frequently inquire about the authenticity of the artworks and expressed delight in the appreciation of beauty within the Holy See Pavilion.
The event also featured orchestra conductor Corrado Rovaris and soprano Yasko Fujii, ambassador for the Italy Pavilion. Rovaris shared his experiences of directing Gioacchino Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia at the New National Theatre in Tokyo and highlighted the worldwide appreciation of Italian opera, especially in Japan.
Entrepreneur Yuzo Yagi, an ambassador of the Italy Pavilion, concluded the talks by sharing his journey of starting a business in Italy in 1971, importing fashion products to Japan. To commemorate the growth of his business, Yagi funded the renovation of the Pyramid of Cestius in Rome, a gesture supported by the Italy-Japan Foundation and its president, Umberto Vattani.
