News & Updates

Announcing the Japan Pavilion Logo and Symbol: One Year Until Expo 2027 Belgrade Opens

May 21, 2026

Bringing Japan’s Playful Spirit to the World

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) are jointly advancing preparations for Japan’s Pavilion Exhibition at Expo 2027 Belgrade, to be held in Belgrade, Republic of Serbia, from May 15 (Saturday) to August 15 (Sunday), 2027.
On May 15, 2026 (Friday), marking one year until the opening, we are pleased to announce the selection of the official logo and symbol for the Japan Pavilion.
The theme of the Japan Pavilion at Expo 2027 Belgrade is:

“Play and Connect, Together — Playful Spirit of Japan.”

Having hosted Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan will set its new pavilion as a continuation and evolution of the themes and concepts introduced at the Expo, such as “Designing Future Society for Our Lives” and “Unity in Diversity.”
The newly announced logo and symbol were selected as the designs that most emblematically express the values and message the Japan Pavilion seeks to convey under Expo 2027 Belgrade’s overarching theme of “Play.”

Unveiling the Japan Pavilion Logo and Symbol: The Art of Kirie (Paper-cut art) Brings the World Together

The logo and symbol mark are a “paper-cut floral” motif carved from a single sheet of paper. Kirie (paper-cut art), which is one of Japan’s traditional forms of “Play,” can be enjoyed by people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds —all you need are paper and scissors.
While appearing to be separate, the elements remain connected as one and emerge as a new form: a unified composition symbolizing the Japan Pavilion’s theme, “Play and Connect, Together.”
This logo gives visual form to that idea of “Play” at the Japan Pavilion, which is envisioned as a means to gently transcend divisions and connect people.

International expositions have long served as important platforms for emerging creators to present their ideas to the world, as demonstrated by the participation of emerging architects in designing facility venues for Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai.
The Japan Pavilion at Expo 2027 Belgrade continues this tradition through its logo, created by promising graphic designer KOBAYASHI Ikki, whose work was selected through a limited design competition.

KOBAYASHI Ikki’s Comments
Folding origami paper and cutting it to create floral designs allows our hands to communicate with others, transcending language barriers—all we need is a piece of paper. And when we unfold that small, folded piece of paper, we can share a small moment of wonder together.
Everyone is allowed to be different. I am free to be myself.
I hope Kirie serves as an opportunity for everyone to become friends.
KOBAYASHI Ikki’s Profile
Graphic Designer.
After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from Tama Art University, Mr. Kobayashi worked at Shiseido Co., Ltd. before becoming an independent designer.
Currently a part-time lecturer at Joshibi University of Art and Design and Tama Art University.

Carrying Forward the Legacy of Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai to the Japan Pavilion at Expo 2027 Belgrade

In conjunction with Japan’s upcoming participation in Expo 2027 Belgrade, the official social media accounts of the Japan Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai have been repurposed as platforms for sharing information about future Japan Pavilions at international expositions.
Preparations for the Japan Pavilion in Belgrade are also underway, led by a comprehensive production team of experienced creators from Expo 2015 Milan, Expo 2021 Dubai, and Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai.
Updates on the Japan Pavilion exhibition plan will be announced through social media and press releases.

Learn More

Inquiries Regarding the Japan Pavilion Exhibition

Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan
Commerce and Service Industry Policy Group, International Exhibitions Promotion Office
Tel: +81-3-3501-0289

Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
International Expos Division
Tel: +81-3-3582-4688