Evaluation of Ireland's Expo 2025 Osaka
A reflection of Ireland at Expo – a short summary
Ireland’s participation at Expo 2025 Osaka was delivered through a whole-of-government and Team Ireland approach, bringing together Government Departments, State Agencies, cultural organisations and international partners.
This page provides highlights of the independent evaluation of Ireland’s participation at Expo 2025 Osaka, which are drawn from the full evaluation report. The evaluation was implemented between September 2025 and March 2026; a copy of the evaluation report can be downloaded from the link at the bottom of the page.
Visitors coming to the Irish pavilion were guided through three interconnected ellipses, each of which focused on different elements of Irelands approach to Expo. All of which built towards the theme of ‘Creativity Connects People’.
The pavilion was designed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) to communicate Ireland’s identity as creative and collaborative, using storytelling, sound, craft and performance to create an immersive visitor journey.
Ireland’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka was led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) as part of the Global Ireland framework.
Expo 2025 Osaka marked the second World Expo delivered under the Department, reflecting a continued ambition to engage in large-scale public diplomacy. The Expo took place from 13 April to 13 October 2025 and involved 158 countries and territories and seven international organisations.
Throughout Expo 2025 Osaka, Ireland welcomed of guests into its pavilion, displaying a profoundly cultural experience including Irish sounds, smells and activities.
Feedback gathered from visitors as part of this evaluation highlighted the effectiveness of the Irish pavilion team in delivering a unique and memorable experience.
Ireland’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka was led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) as part of the Global Ireland framework.
Expo 2025 Osaka marked the second World Expo delivered under the Department, reflecting a continued ambition to engage in large-scale public diplomacy. The Expo took place from 13 April to 13 October 2025 and involved 158 countries and territories and seven international organisations.
Throughout Expo 2025 Osaka, Ireland welcomed of guests into its pavilion, displaying a profoundly cultural experience including Irish sounds, smells and activities.
Feedback gathered from visitors as part of this evaluation highlighted the effectiveness of the Irish pavilion team in delivering a unique and memorable experience.
Purpose and scope
The evaluation looked at the extent to which the Expo programme was relevant, effective and well delivered, and captured lessons to inform future large-scale public diplomacy initiatives. The evaluation covered planning, delivery and immediate legacy actions from 2023 to 2026.
A robust evidence base
An extensive body of evidence was gathered and analysed by the evaluation team, including through direct, on-the-ground observation, 50 interviews, three targeted surveys, a review of documentation and an analysis of communications metrics
Irelands Pavilion featured a uniquely Irish build, highlighting Irish timber and construction. The pavilion was framed by the Magnus RINN (a specially commission piece), created by Irish artist Joseph Walsh.
Purpose and scope
The evaluation looked at the extent to which the Expo programme was relevant, effective and well delivered, and captured lessons to inform future large-scale public diplomacy initiatives. The evaluation covered planning, delivery and immediate legacy actions from 2023 to 2026.
A robust evidence base
An extensive body of evidence was gathered and analysed by the evaluation team, including through direct, on-the-ground observation, 50 interviews, three targeted surveys, a review of documentation and an analysis of communications metrics
Irelands Pavilion featured a uniquely Irish build, highlighting Irish timber and construction. The pavilion was framed by the Magnus RINN (a specially commission piece), created by Irish artist Joseph Walsh.
Turning strategy into experience was a key element of Ireland's presence at Expo 2025. Ireland’s participation was conceived as a living expression of the Creativity Connects People theme, translating policy ambition into a tangible cultural experience.
Visitors were guided through a carefully curated sequence of spaces that blended digital media, traditional craftsmanship and live cultural programming curated by the National Concert Hall and National Museum of Ireland working in collaboration with Irish musician Caoimhin O’ Raghallaigh and Japanese partners.
Signature elements, including the Magnus RINN sculpture and the daily programme of music and performance, created moments of surprise and connection, encouraging visitors to engage emotionally as well as intellectually.
The Magnus RINN, now based at the Chion-in temple in Kyoto, remains as a tangible legacy and a reminder of Ireland’s connection to Japan, and a legacy of Irelands presence at Expo 2025 Osaka.
A national effort with global reach
Ireland’s Expo, guided by a whole-of-government and Team Ireland approach, enabled Ireland to mobilise expertise across diplomacy, culture, communications and programme delivery.
The Expo provided a focal point for high-level engagement, including ministerial visits, official delegations and sectoral exchanges. The scale and seniority of participation strengthened Ireland’s diplomatic presence in Japan and reinforced relationships across government, business and cultural networks.
Ireland was the first to complete its pavilion building; this created positive momentum and visibility within the Expo community. This achievement reflected disciplined project management paired with local know-how, strong oversight and sustained collaboration between teams in Ireland, Tokyo and Osaka.
The exhibitions within the pavilion highlighted Ireland’s rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship, exemplified by the harp; Ireland’s national symbol.
Reaching audiences
The day-to-day delivery of Ireland’s pavilion relied on close collaboration between staff, performers and partners working in a fast-paced and demanding environment. Front-of-house teams played a central role in shaping the visitor experience, balancing operational tasks with cultural storytelling and hospitality.
Flexibility and a sense of comradery emerged as defining features of the team culture. Staff adapted to changing conditions, learning in real time and supporting one another to maintain consistent service standards and a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
The knowledge and skills and cultural capital built by the team also represent a legacy asset from the Expo whose value will emerge in ways that cannot be predicted or quantified but are undoubtedly important.
The Irish Pavilion showcased Ireland’s deep cultural heritage, as well as how creativity can connect people across borders, by hosting events and exhibitions with a mix of Irish and Japanese artists everyday through the course of Expo.
Reaching audiences
The day-to-day delivery of Ireland’s pavilion relied on close collaboration between staff, performers and partners working in a fast-paced and demanding environment. Front-of-house teams played a central role in shaping the visitor experience, balancing operational tasks with cultural storytelling and hospitality.
Flexibility and a sense of comradery emerged as defining features of the team culture. Staff adapted to changing conditions, learning in real time and supporting one another to maintain consistent service standards and a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
The knowledge and skills and cultural capital built by the team also represent a legacy asset from the Expo whose value will emerge in ways that cannot be predicted or quantified but are undoubtedly important.
The Irish Pavilion showcased Ireland’s deep cultural heritage, as well as how creativity can connect people across borders, by hosting events and exhibitions with a mix of Irish and Japanese artists everyday through the course of Expo.
Building momentum
Expo 2025 Osaka created momentum for Ireland’s engagement with Japan and strengthened Ireland’s visibility across diplomatic, cultural and institutional networks. Relationships developed during the programme, across government, culture and business, reinforced or created channels for dialogue and collaboration that should extend beyond the Expo timeline.
The programme strengthened Ireland’s reputation as a creative and reliable international partner. At Ireland’s pavilion, visitors were not only exposed to Irish smells and sounds, but also activities, with many events and daily exhibitions featuring traditional Irish dancing that visitors were encouraged to participate in. Participation demonstrated and reinforced Ireland’s ability to deliver complex international initiatives at scale.
Looking ahead, the legacy of Expo lies not only in visitor numbers or media coverage, but in the relationships, recognition and trust built over time. Sustaining these connections through follow-up engagement will be key to converting short-term visibility into long-term diplomatic and cultural value.
Building momentum
Expo 2025 Osaka created momentum for Ireland’s engagement with Japan and strengthened Ireland’s visibility across diplomatic, cultural and institutional networks. Relationships developed during the programme, across government, culture and business, reinforced or created channels for dialogue and collaboration that should extend beyond the Expo timeline.
The programme strengthened Ireland’s reputation as a creative and reliable international partner. At Ireland’s pavilion, visitors were not only exposed to Irish smells and sounds, but also activities, with many events and daily exhibitions featuring traditional Irish dancing that visitors were encouraged to participate in. Participation demonstrated and reinforced Ireland’s ability to deliver complex international initiatives at scale.
Looking ahead, the legacy of Expo lies not only in visitor numbers or media coverage, but in the relationships, recognition and trust built over time. Sustaining these connections through follow-up engagement will be key to converting short-term visibility into long-term diplomatic and cultural value.
What worked well
Expo 2025 Osaka occurred at an opportune moment for Ireland. Ireland was able to capitalise on the timing of the opening of Ireland House Tokyo in April 2025 and to integrate Expo as part of the wider Ireland in Japan 2025 programme.
Collectively this created momentum and visibility that extended beyond the pavilion itself, aligning two major public diplomacy initiatives with foreign policy priorities.
Where future impact can be built
The experience generated learning to strengthen delivery in future large scale initiatives.
Earlier planning of operational roles, clearer articulation of expected outcomes, and stronger communications capacity on site could support smoother delivery and enhance responsiveness during peak periods.
Further embedding legacy planning from the outset, including structured follow-up with partners and audiences, could further strengthen long-term impact.
What worked well
Expo 2025 Osaka occurred at an opportune moment for Ireland. Ireland was able to capitalise on the timing of the opening of Ireland House Tokyo in April 2025 and to integrate Expo as part of the wider Ireland in Japan 2025 programme.
Collectively this created momentum and visibility that extended beyond the pavilion itself, aligning two major public diplomacy initiatives with foreign policy priorities.
Where future impact can be built
The experience generated learning to strengthen delivery in future large scale initiatives.
Earlier planning of operational roles, clearer articulation of expected outcomes, and stronger communications capacity on site could support smoother delivery and enhance responsiveness during peak periods.
Further embedding legacy planning from the outset, including structured follow-up with partners and audiences, could further strengthen long-term impact.
Oona the puffin, Irelands Pavilion mascot, welcomed visitors to the pavilion and other events, such as the Irelands national day.
A milestone in Ireland's global engagement
Ireland’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka marked a significant milestone in the evolution of its global engagement strategy.
It demonstrated how culture, creativity and diplomacy can work together to create meaningful connections between nations and people.
The programme showed that large-scale international initiatives can deliver value far beyond their immediate timeframe when they are grounded in clear purpose, strong partnerships and a compelling national narrative.
As Ireland looks to future opportunities on the global stage, the experience of Expo 2025 Osaka offers an important reference point, demonstrating what can be achieved when ambition, collaboration and creativity come together to tell Ireland’s story to the world.
A milestone in Ireland's global engagement
Ireland’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka marked a significant milestone in the evolution of its global engagement strategy.
It demonstrated how culture, creativity and diplomacy can work together to create meaningful connections between nations and people.
The programme showed that large-scale international initiatives can deliver value far beyond their immediate timeframe when they are grounded in clear purpose, strong partnerships and a compelling national narrative.
As Ireland looks to future opportunities on the global stage, the experience of Expo 2025 Osaka offers an important reference point, demonstrating what can be achieved when ambition, collaboration and creativity come together to tell Ireland’s story to the world.
