UK at World Expo 2025
Osaka, Kansai
13 April – 13 October 2025, Yumeshima Island, Japan
UK National Day Celebrated at World Expo 2025 Osaka
The UK celebrated its National Day at World Expo 2025 Osaka on Thursday 22nd May 2025, with a range of exciting events.
Inspired by a child’s toy building blocks, and the power of little ideas that have the power to combine into world-changing innovations. Every idea, just like every simple building block, has the potential to grow into something great.
The UK Pavilion celebrates the UK’s openness, inclusivity and partnership across the world – showing our pride in the diversity of our ideas, cultures, and perspectives.
Hosted by the UK’s Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy, the UK’s National Day programme consisted of a vibrant showcase of British creativity, including special performances by performers from the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, live music from artists from across our four nations, as well as surprise appearances by Paddington, Shaun the Sheep, and Peter Rabbit!
For the first time in Japan, BBC Studios Asia and the UK Pavilion brought to life one of the BBC’s most loved brands, BBC Earth, with Planet Earth III Live in Concert. The concert featured specially selected footage from the sensational television series, Planet Earth III, shown on a gigantic screen. Alongside the breath-taking footage, a remarkable music score by Oscar winner Hans Zimmer, Jacob Shea and Sara Barone for Bleeding Fingers Music, was performed by the fabulous Japan Century Symphony Orchestra.
Special guests attending UK National Day included Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko of Mikasa.
UK National Day was a fantastic, memorable day. We hope you were inspired to #ComeBuildTheFuture.
A full breakdown of our National Day Programme can be found below.
UK National Day Programme
EXPO Hall “Shining Hat”
Planet Earth III LIVE in Concert
Following a series of sell-out concerts across Europe, the BBC Studios award-winning series will be shown on the big screen. Join us for the Planet Earth III LIVE in Concert with its famous score composed by Hans Zimmer, Jacob Shea and Sara Barone. Performed live by the renowned Japan Century Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of distinguished UK conductor Matthew Freeman, this concert promises a breathtaking experience that celebrates the beauty of our natural world in the first-of-its-kind screening in Japan.
EXPO Hall “Shining Hat”
UK National Day Special Performance
Following a series of sell-out concerts across Europe, the BBC Studios award-winning series will be shown on the big screen. Join us for the Planet Earth III LIVE in Concert with its famous score composed by Hans Zimmer, Jacob Shea and Sara Barone. Performed live by the renowned Japan Century Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of distinguished UK conductor Matthew Freeman, this concert promises a breathtaking experience that celebrates the beauty of our natural world in the first-of-its-kind screening in Japan.
Supported by a special warm-up act representing the best of British creativity and culture (19:00-19:30).
Public Events
Music from the Four Nations of the UK
Welcome to the UK National Day Festival! Check out these exciting and diverse performances throughout the day, with acts from across the UK and featuring a multitude of genres:
Shao Dow – England
Award-winning rapper, Manga author and occasional Ninja – Shao Dow creates music inspired by anime and gaming but written for life. Join him for a live performance like no other, featuring the Z-Fighters Super Band from Japan.
To find out more about Shao Dow, click here.
:Panic :Over – Northern Ireland
Four friends who formed a back garden band during lockdown. Recently signed to Warner Music Group, the indie rockers are celebrating their appearance at Expo with the release of their new single “Actor”.
To find out more about :Panic :Over, click here.
Nina Nesbitt – Scotland
Nina Lindberg Nesbitt is a Scottish singer songwriter. She is an award- winning, international touring artist who has just released her 5th album - Mountain Music.
To find out more about Nina Nesbitt, click here.
Strawberry Guy – Wales
Strawberry Guy is Alex Stephens, whose lush, romantic indie pop first bloomed with the self-release of his debut single in 2018. What began as a simple love for songwriting quickly grew into a global following, with millions of streams, a platinum single and a devoted fanbase drawn to his dreamy, orchestral sound.
To find out more about Strawberry Guy, click here.
Nick Luscombe
Nick Luscombe is a British DJ, broadcaster, sound artist and BBC radio producer based in Tokyo. He is the founder and chief sound architect at MSCTY, and the artistic director of OIST Sonic Lab. (Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology)
He hosts radio shows for dublab.jp in Tokyo and ONEJAZZ in the UK.
Famous UK Character Appearances
Public event
Meet iconic UK characters, Peter Rabbit, Shaun the Sheep, and Paddington Bear, who will be helping visitors celebrate UK National Day by popping up on the Village Green at the UK Pavilion.
The Grand Ring
Parade by the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Performers
Public event
Traditional music and dance from the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Performers will get UK National Day off to a flying start! Showcasing the best of bagpipes, the highs of highland drumming and the athleticism, poise and energy of talented highland dancers, a performance from the Tattoo Performers will leave audiences amazed and inspired. Parade route will be on the Grand Ring, from Pop Up Stage North to National Day Hall.
To find out more about the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, click here.
Expo National Day Hall “Ray Garden”
UK National Day Flag Raising Ceremony
Public event – limited seats available on a first come, first served basis
Take your seat as the Japanese and UK flags are raised, representing shared respect and unity with national anthems and speeches by dignitaries from both countries. This moment will be followed by a rare cultural collaboration: The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo with Miyamoto Unosuke Shoten taiko drummers – UK pageantry meets Japanese rhythm and spirit in a powerful display.
The Village Green, UK Pavilion
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Performances
Public event
Traditional music and dance from the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Performers throughout the day. Showcasing the best of bagpipes, the highs of highland drumming and the athleticism, poise and energy of talented highland dancers, a performance from the Tattoo Performers will leave audiences amazed and inspired.
To find out more about the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, click here.
Festival Station Booth
UK National Day Starring Great Britain Installation
Public Event
Join us for a cinematic journey through Britain; come and see where some of your favourite film and TV shows were made. Britain, with its stunning scenery and locations, is the star of the show!