On 5 August, Ukraine celebrated its National Day at the EXPO 2025 international exhibition in Osaka. The focus was on gratitude to allies and partners who support Ukraine and its values. The team continued the idea of the main Ukrainian pavilion, ‘Not for sale,’ which talks about the values of Ukrainian society. This was reported by the event organisers.
The event was initiated by Prime Minister Yuliya Svyrydenko and Acting Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, General Commissioner of Ukraine at EXPO 2025 Tetyana Berezhna.
‘Today, Ukraine presents itself to the world not only as a country that defends its sovereignty, but also as a nation that upholds values — dignity, freedom and resilience,’ said Yuliya Svyrydenko, Prime Minister of Ukraine. "At EXPO, we demonstrate the principles that unite democratic societies and give meaning to international solidarity. From the moment our pavilion opened, we have witnessed deep support from visitors and partners. This is a reminder that Ukraine is not alone. We are grateful to everyone who supports us — and we express this gratitude not only in words, but also through joint actions to protect what is truly important."
More than 500 guests attended the official opening ceremony. Representatives of the highest government level of Japan congratulated Ukraine on its distinguished visit — Yuichiro Koga, State Minister of the Cabinet Office of Japan, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, Eisuke Mori, Chairman of the Japan-Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship League, Koji Haneda, Commissioner General of EXPO 2025 in Japan, and others.
The highlight of the ceremony was the premiere of Ode of Gratitude, a musical composition created especially for Ukraine's National Day in collaboration with the creative agency Bickerstaff.734. The composition was first presented live by musician, producer and composer Maryana Klochko. The composition combines the sounds of allied countries, which overlap to create an image of a common sound of solidarity. The premiere was complemented by a video clip expressing gratitude to the international community for its support of Ukraine.
The official part of the event ended with a live performance by the Ukrainian band ONUKA.
The National Day aimed to unite the allied countries around Ukraine. Ukrainian events were also part of other pavilions: Belgium, Romania and others.
On 13 April, Ukraine opened its pavilion, ‘Not For Sale,’ at the EXPO 2025 international exhibition in Japan, with the main theme ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives.’ The exhibition is presented in the form of a shop where nothing can be bought. Instead of goods, there are 18 items, each symbolising human values — freedom, dignity, resilience and other unchanging principles.
The pavilion continued its work until 13 October.