Expo 2025 Osaka – Thank You
A glimpse into My Plan for Japan at the Portugal Pavilion
This April, Ana Aragão had the honour of presenting her series My Plan for Japan at the Portugal Pavilion during Expo 2025 Osaka. It was a unique opportunity to share her hand-drawn, imagined cities with a global audience, in a space dedicated to dialogue between cultures and visions of the future.
The experience was deeply enriching — both creatively and personally — and made possible thanks to the support of the Portuguese representation at Expo 2025, the curatorial team, and all those who helped bring this project to life.
Ana with Bernardo Amaral, the Director of the Portuguese Pavilion and the Commissioner General, Joana Gomes Cardoso.
A highlight of the opening event was the presence of a truly special live music performance by the duo MUSIC@NET, composed of Mr. Takashi Yuasa, a Portuguese guitar specialist, and Mr. Gohshi Yoshida, a mandolinist. Together, they have developed an original musical genre known as Namban Music, blending elements of Fado with Japanese musical traditions — a poetic tribute to the historical and cultural ties between Portugal and Japan. The performance also featured an extended ensemble led by Mr. Yoshida, bringing together a guitar and mandolin orchestra with 30 musicians. An extraordinary moment made possible by Mile Post Consultants, Inc. A heartfelt thanks to MUSIC@NET and Fumihiro Sakakibara, from Mile Post Consultants for this unforgettable performance.
Photo Credits: Maho Saito, Catarina Serrão
The opening of the exhibition drew an exceptional turnout. Throughout the day, the space remained filled with visitors — architects, artists, diplomats, students, and curious onlookers — all eager to explore Ana’s intricate drawings and engage with the themes of imagination, memory, and cultural connection. The atmosphere was vibrant and dynamic, a true reflection of the interest and resonance sparked by the work.
The centrepiece of the installation, the folding screen O Auto da Barca do Efémero, sparked meaningful conversations about shared history and imagined futures between Portugal and Japan.
Photo Credits: Catarina Serrão, Ana Aragão
Thank you to everyone who visited, shared kind words, and engaged with the work.
With special thanks to:
AICEP . Bernardo Amaral . Joana Gomes Cardoso . Portuguese Pavilion Staff [ production / technical team / collaborators] . Fumihiro Sakakibara . Maho Saito . MUZIC@NET/Marionette Duo & Ensemble [ Takashi Yuasa & Gohshi Yoshida] . Francisco Sendas . Museu do Oriente . Embaixada de Portugal no Japão . Vítor Sereno . Andreia Direito