What is 'Expo diplomacy'? How many foreign dignitaries has Japan PM met through it?
Question: What does "Expo diplomacy" mean in the first place?
Answer: "Expo diplomacy" refers to meetings between Japanese Cabinet ministers, including Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, and foreign leaders and dignitaries visiting Japan for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
A total of 158 countries and regions are participating in the ongoing Expo, and more than 100 dignitaries are expected to have visited Japan by the end of the event on Oct. 13. Many visiting leaders attend their country's "National Day," a daily event at the Expo to showcase their culture, and often meet with Ishiba at the prime minister's office in Tokyo before or after the event.
Q: How many foreign leaders has the prime minister met through Expo diplomacy so far?
A: Since the Expo opened on April 13, Ishiba has met with the leaders of over 20 countries. He strengthened relations by confirming the upgrade of ties with Bulgaria and Guatemala to a "strategic partnership." Some countries are also sending royalty, such as Luxembourg's Grand Duke Henri, whom Ishiba met on May 28.
Q: Is U.S. President Donald Trump visiting the Expo?
A: At the Japan-U.S. summit meeting in February, Ishiba requested Trump to visit Japan at an early date, and the president accepted the request. His visit is expected during the Expo period, and Ishiba stated in the Diet that "President Trump showed strong interest in the Expo." However, the presidential visit remains uncertain as there are no signs Japan-U.S. tariff negotiations are approaching an agreement. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and other officials are expected to attend the U.S. "National Day" event at the Expo on July 19.
Q: Is "Expo diplomacy" a regular occurrence?
A: The last world exposition held in Japan was the Expo 2005 Aichi, during which then Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi also met with foreign dignitaries like then French President Jacques Chirac. Meetings with many visiting world leaders present a valuable diplomatic opportunity unique to the host country of a world exposition.
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