OSAKA — The countdown to Expo 2030 Riyadh officially began on Thursday with a dazzling cultural showcase titled “From Osaka to Riyadh” at the Expo Arena Matsuri in Japan, symbolizing the transition from Expo 2025 Osaka to the next World Expo in Riyadh.

The event drew 15,000 attendees and brought together top Saudi and Japanese performers in a vibrant celebration of cultural collaboration.

The lineup included Saudi vocalist Ghada Sheri, the Al Bairaq Al Akhdar drumming group, Japan’s Taiko-Center drummers, and renowned artists Ken Ishii and DJ KAORI, blending traditional rhythms with cutting-edge electronic music.

High-energy performances, laser and hologram effects, and reimagined cultural expressions transformed the stage into a powerful symbol of the shared spirit between Saudi Arabia and Japan.

Held just days before the October 13 closing ceremony of Expo 2025, the event also marked the formal transition of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) flag to Riyadh, signifying Saudi Arabia’s official assumption of host city responsibilities for Expo 2030.

Organizers said the showcase highlighted Riyadh’s readiness to host large-scale international gatherings and demonstrated the Kingdom’s growing global role in cultural exchange and innovation.

Running from October 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031, Expo 2030 Riyadh is expected to welcome over 42 million visits from 197 countries and 29 organizations.

Spanning 6 million square meters, it will feature five thematic zones exploring forward-looking solutions for a sustainable and inclusive future under the theme “Foresight for Tomorrow.”

After the six-month event, the Expo site will transform into a permanent Global Village, leaving a lasting legacy for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and the world. — SG