Osaka, Japan - On July 25, Chongqing Day officially opened at the China Pavilion of Expo 2025 Osaka, captivating global audiences with the dynamic charm of western China's mountain metropolis. Blending rich heritage with cutting-edge innovation, Chongqing embraced the world with openness and creativity.

A celebration of cultural bonds and international friendship

The opening ceremony welcomed over 100 guests from Chinese and Japanese government agencies, business associations, enterprises, and cultural institutions. Deng Lin, Chairperson of CCPIT Chongqing, introduced the city's historical legacy, industrial strengths, and open economy. She highlighted Chongqing's 240-hour visa-free transit policy for citizens from 54 countries, including Japan, as a symbol of the city's global connectivity.

Deng Lin, Chairperson of CCPIT Chongqing, delivered a speech at the Chongqing Day opening ceremony at Expo 2025 Osaka. (Photo/CCPIT Chongqing)

Luo Lei, Deputy Director of the China Pavilion, praised the deep-rooted relationship between Chongqing and Japan, citing fruitful cooperation across industry, healthcare, education, and culture. He called on both sides to use the Expo platform, which he described as the "Olympics of the global economy, technology, and culture."

Hiroyasu Tiyomatu, Mayor of Izumisano City, expressed strong support for Chongqing Day, highlighting Izumisano's close ties with Chongqing's Wulong District. He voiced hopes that the event would spark deeper cooperation across multiple sectors.

A cooperation agreement was signed between the Chongqing Women Talent Association and the Japan Traditional Crafts Revitalization Association, paving the way for greater collaboration in cultural preservation and traditional craftsmanship.

The Chongqing Women Talent Association and the Japan Traditional Crafts Revitalization Association signed a cooperation agreement. (Photo/CCPIT Chongqing)

Later in the day, the China-Japan Ceramic Art Exchange Forum brought together renowned ceramicists, intangible cultural heritage inheritors, and industry experts to explore how traditional art can integrate with digital innovation.

"Rongchang pottery once journeyed to Japan along the Maritime Silk Road during the Tang and Song dynasties," recalled Zou Xiaoping, Honorary President of the Chongqing Women Talent Association. She proposed a joint ceramics lab powered by digital tools to revitalize ancient craft with new life and international relevance.

A multi-sensory journey: heritage, cuisine, and technology come alive

Visitors to the China Pavilion were immersed in a vibrant display of Chongqing culture. From the elegant folk dance to the exhilarating erhu solo, performances captured the soul of the region through light, sound, and movement.

Crowds gathered for interactive experiences of traditional Liangping woodblock printing. (Photo/Chen Zhan)

Crowds gathered for interactive experiences such as traditional Liangping woodblock printing. "It felt like opening a centuries-old storybook," remarked one Osaka resident seeing Chinese prints made in real time.

"Intangible cultural heritage isn't just about preservation—it’s how we tell modern China's story," said one craftsman. "Through this global platform, we're inviting the world to feel the emotion and depth of Chongqing culture."

Culinary highlights included local delicacies like Chongqing noodles and Hechuan peach slices. Exhibitors noted the natural synergy between Chongqing's bold flavors and Japanese taste preferences, with plans to expand overseas.

In the tech exhibition area, innovation stole the spotlight. Showcased were the AI-powered bionic robot dog "Sirius," new energy vehicle models from SERES, and smart charging stations. "Japan is a leader in robotics, and we hope to build bridges in tech collaboration through innovations like these," said one organizer.

Driving global business: Chongqing’s economic ambitions on display

In the afternoon on July 25, a Chongqing-focused business forum and matchmaking event were held at the InterContinental Osaka. Deng emphasized the enduring strategic partnership between Chongqing and Japan, noting that in 2024, bilateral trade hit RMB 22.9 billion. Chongqing's exports to Japan rose by 7.6%, with 298 Japanese-invested enterprises currently operating in the city.

A Chongqing-focused business forum and matchmaking event were held at the InterContinental Osaka. (Photo/Chen Zhan)

Huang Xiang, Vice President of Chongqing Daily News Group, introduced the "China: An Opportunity, Chongqing Brands" campaign. Liu Xiaonian, Deputy Director of Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development, unveiled the city's refreshed tourism identity: "Majestic Landscape, Dynamic Chongqing." Deng Ke, Director of the Liangjiang New Area Modern Service Industry Bureau, spotlighted recent efforts to grow high-end service clusters.

Chongqing companies from the tech, cultural, and food sectors pitched their innovations and partnership goals. Panasonic China President Zhao Bingdi shared insights on Panasonic's presence in Chongqing, while Kang Ying of Hifuture Technology outlined efforts in green energy and zero-carbon solutions.

"Japanese companies are showing strong interest in our strengths in smart manufacturing and modern services," said a participating Chongqing business leader. "Japan excels in precision engineering, while Chongqing provides full industrial ecosystems and robust policy support—creating real opportunities in new energy vehicles, smart terminals, and beyond."

Guests from China and Japan listened carefully to Chongqing’s opportunities. (Photo/Chen Zhan)

With the theme "Charming New Chongqing, Smart New Future," the Chongqing Day event at Expo 2025 Osaka blended city branding, economic cooperation, cultural showcases, and immersive exhibitions to tell the Chongqing story. Bridging tradition and innovation, the city is stepping confidently onto the global stage, inviting the world to discover its promise.