Search Results forosaka
AirAsia launches Kaohsiung-Osaka route
AirAsia Malaysia has announced the launch of a new route from Kaohsiung to Osaka, as part of its Kuala Lumpur-Kaohsiung service, marking a significant step in its fifth-freedom expansion strategy. This development aims to enhance connectivity across North Asia, leveraging Kuala Lumpur as a central hub. The new Kaohsiung-Osaka route builds on the success of AirAsia's first fifth-freedom route, which was introduced last year, connecting Kota Kinabalu to Fukuoka via Taipei. This strategic move allows AirAsia to expand beyond traditional point-to-point routes, creating new opportunities for connectivity within its network. The addition of this route is expected to strengthen ties between Taiwan and Japan, offering more travel options for passengers. AirAsia's fifth-freedom strategy is designed to maximise the airline's network potential by allowing flights between two foreign countries, with a stop in the airline's home country. This approach not only enhances connectivity but also optimises the use of AirAsia's existing resources and infrastructure. The introduction of the Kaohsiung-Osaka route is part of AirAsia's broader plan to expand its presence in North Asia, providing more travel choices and convenience for passengers. As the airline continues to grow its network, it remains committed to offering affordable and accessible travel options across the region. In summary, AirAsia's new Kaohsiung-Osaka route represents a key milestone in its fifth-freedom expansion strategy, enhancing connectivity between Taiwan and Japan and reinforcing Kuala Lumpur's role as a major hub in the airline's network This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.
Centara presents an exclusive offer celebrating its new property in Osaka
Thai hospitality management company Centara Hotels & Resorts is slated to expand its presence in Japan in the second quarter of this year. The company is slated to open the Centara Life Namba Hotel Osaka, its second property in Japan and an excellent follow-up to the successful opening of the Centara Grand Hotel Osaka in 2023. Centara Life Namba Hotel Osaka offers convenient access to many of the city’s iconic sights and experiences, from the vibrant atmosphere of Dotonbori to the fresh flavours of Kuromon Market and the shopping streets of Shinsaibashi. A celebratory offer To celebrate the upcoming launch, Centara is introducing a limited-time, members-only opening offer designed for modern travellers who want to experience the city from its most vibrant neighbourhood. From now until 1st May, CentaraThe1 members booking stays from 1st May to 31st August can enjoy the Live the City launch offer which features an enhanced 25 percent member discount on The Place to Be and Flexible rates, plus triple CentaraThe1 points for every booking. This will allow guests to maximise their benefits whilst discovering the hotel's contemporary comfort and excellent location
Jetstar Japan resumes its Manila-Osaka route
In response to strong inbound travel demand, Jetstar Japan resumed its Manila=Osaka (Kansai) route on 27th October, the first time it has been flown in six years. The inaugural resumed flight GK81 departed Kansai International Airport at 22:08 (Japan local time) and took off at 22:30 (Japan local time), bound for Manila. As of press time, Jetstar Japan is the only Japanese airline operating direct flights between Kansai and Manila. More options The relaunch of the Manila-Kansai route will expand travel options for Jetstar Japan customers and further enhance travel convenience. With this particular resumption, Jetstar Japan will now operate two international routes to and from Kansai during the winter flight schedule period, including the existing Kansai-Taipei (Taoyuan) service. During the winter flight schedule period which began on 26th October, 2025 and runs till 28th March 2026, the airline will operate up to seven return trips per week using Airbus A320 aircraft.
Nakanoshima, Osaka’s new creative capital: An innovation laboratory for the Expo 2025 and beyond
Located in the heart of Osaka, Nakanoshima, an iconic island bordered by the Dojima and Tosabori Rivers, is reinventing itself as an open-air laboratory dedicated to artistic creation, culture, and urban innovation. Inspired by European models such as the Île de la Cité in Paris and Museumsinsel in Berlin, Nakanoshima brings together major museums, historic buildings, natural spaces, and universities in a collaborative and sustainable approach. The “Creative Island Nakanoshima” initiative is based on a unique ecosystem bringing together artists, cultural institutions, and researchers around a rich program of exhibitions, performances, and workshops. Its ambition? To foster the emerging trends of tomorrow and build bridges between local and international audiences within the dynamic framework of Expo 2025, but above all with a long-term vision. The project is resolutely forward-looking, embodying a global vision where creativity, experimentation, and international outreach revolve around a single territory. Expo 2025 as a catalyst, with the future as its horizon Driven by the excitement of Expo 2025, Nakanoshima aims to become the flagship “Creative Island” of Asia. But more than a temporary showcase, the project is part of a sustainable urban and cultural development dynamic, at a time when cities seek to reinvent their identities and enrich visitor experiences. “These initiatives fit within our vision of making Nakanoshima a unique creative laboratory where heritage, innovation, and contemporary creation meet,” said the executive committee of Creative Island Nakanoshima. “Our ambition is to position the island as a must-see cultural destination, not only for Expo 2025 but also for decades to come.” Within the urban momentum sparked by the Expo, the district has benefited from significant development and will be connected notably by the new Naniwasuji line, facilitating north-south transit across Osaka and linking the city’s main hubs. A flagship event during Expo 2025, the Nakanoshima Pavilion Festival offers a glimpse of the island’s future. This artistic event, held across various cultural venues on the island, celebrates Nakanoshima’s rich cultural heritage. Throughout the festival, visitors can discover prestigious exhibitions in the museums, concerts, performances on boats along the waterfront, and many events connected to the island’s rich heritage and innovative urbanism. With a varied program that includes visual arts, science, music, and theater, the festival aims to showcase the many facets of this “island within the city,” attracting an international audience connected to Osaka’s Expo 2025. Easier access for visitors worldwide New: an enhanced experience with the English website In this context of global openness, the launch of the official English website marks a decisive step. This portal offers a complete immersion into the island’s cultural life: news on events, discovery of partner institutions, promotion of key players, and access to multimedia resources. A new single ticket: the Nakanoshima Pavilion Sightseeing Pass This shared cultural pass is a new unique ticket designed specifically for the Nakanoshima Pavilion Festival 2025, allowing visitors access to a set of five major cultural institutions on the island. The pass enables visitors to select three exhibitions among those offered by The National Museum of Art, Osaka, Osaka Science Museum, Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka, Nakanoshima Kosetsu Museum of Art, and The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, OSAKA, while enjoying a deep exploration of the island’s charms through a rich series of events and programming. The shared pass offers an enriched cultural experience by granting access to key institutions on Nakanoshima, highlighting both art museums and architectural or innovation centers. It is part of an approach to bring the public closer and to network cultural venues. An invitation to read the hidden history of the island, one story at a time: "Stories from 15 Places on Nakanoshima" Artist-in-residence at Nakanoshima for several years, renowned Japanese playwright and novelist Toshiki Okada conceived "Stories from 15 Places on Nakanoshima." This collection of fifteen short stories, each attached to a specific place on Nakanoshima Island, was created following in-depth research started in 2018 and completed in 2024. The stories blend reality and fiction by drawing on the past, present, and future potentials of these locations, incorporating local historical elements and precise observations of the sites. Available in English since August 2025, the work invites visitors to read each narrative directly at its corresponding location, offering an immersive literary journey through the urban environment. AR Experience Enhancement From September 27 to November 30, 2025, Creative Island Nakanoshima launches "AR Tour: Stories from 15 Places on Nakanoshima," transforming Okada's literary work into an augmented reality experience. Visitors use smartphones to view AR illustration artworks created by established artists including Teppei Kaneuji, Ayumi Kanno, Kenta Cobayashi, contact Gonzo, MANTLE, STYLY creators, and public participants at 15 meeting points across major cultural facilities including Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka, National Museum of Art, Osaka and Osaka Science Museum. This free, bilingual project utilizes XR technology provided by STYLY Inc. to overlay digital artworks onto real landscapes, creating an immersive experience where historical culture and futuristic elements intersect as visitors explore the island.
Macao Week held at the China Pavilion, World Expo 2025 Osaka
Macao Week at the China Pavilion of World Expo 2025 Osaka opened on 3 October at the China Pavilion in the Expo 2025 Osaka site. Themed "Experience Macao", the three-day event (October 2-4) featured creative exhibitions, business exchanges, cultural performances, and interactive experience, serving as a significant window to showcase Macao's development achievements to the world. Inside the pavilion, several themed zones are set up: The "Macao Impressions" zone uses digital imagery to present UNESCO World Heritage sites and tourism projects; the "East-West Fusion" zone dynamically displays grand scenes such as fireworks galas and food festivals; the "World Heritage Walk" zone allows visitors to virtually tour the Historic Centre of Macao and explore the textures of its heritage architecture and urban landscape through touchable interactive screens, transcending time and space. At the plaza in front of the China Pavilion, Macao's tourism mascot "Mak Mak" warmly greets guests at a photo spot, while captivating Portuguese folk dances and lion dance performances attract large crowds of tourists. The participation of Macao Week marks the Macao SAR Government's return to the World Expo stage after 15 years since the Expo 2010 Shanghai. It is also the first time Macao has appeared on an overseas World Expo platform since its return to the motherland. The rich array of activities and exhibitions highlights Macao's unique character defined by "a base for exchange and cooperation where Chinese culture is the mainstream and diverse cultures coexist", conveying Macao's commitment to promoting both cultural heritage and innovation within the context of globalization. This offers a "Macao model" for building an inclusive and diverse future society. Since its opening on April 13, the China Pavilion, with its strong and distinctive Chinese cultural elements, technologically advanced exhibitions, and a vibrant program of thematic events, has welcomed over 1.7 million visitors from around the globe.
MIMARU expands its luggage delivery service to Tokyo-Osaka and Kyoto routes
Cosmos Hotel Management Co, Ltd, operator of the apartment hotel brand MIMARU, expanded its renowned Luggage Delivery by MIMARU service to cover the Tokyo-Osaka/Kyoto route. The route expansion took effect last 1st September. Now over a year in operation, the service enables guests to drop off luggage in the morning and receive it at their destination the same evening. Originally offered between airports and MIMARU locations in Tokyo and Osaka/Kyoto, the service achieved a customer satisfaction rate of 96.1 percent and a delay rate below 0.1 percent from May 2024 to March 2025. This was thanks to meticulous Japanese standards of reliability: No damage, no lost luggage, and without delay. With this new intercity expansion, overseas families traveling the popular "Golden Route" can enjoy smooth, hands-free journeys while reducing congestion on tourist transport. Nearly 90 percent of MIMARU's guests are families with children, and the company has developed services to ease the challenges of multi-city travel. How the service works Reserve online by 11:00 p.m. the day before; Drop off luggage at MIMARU front desks or designated airports in the morning; Receive items at the destination the same evening; Track delivery via email updates with photo confirmation. Looking ahead, MIMARU will continue expanding intercity delivery routes and enhancing services that make travel in Japan more comfortable for families.
Expo 2025 Osaka is a masterclass in passion tourism and destination storytelling
Walking through Sou Fujimoto's magnificent Grand Ring at Expo 2025 Osaka, I watched my seven-year-old daughter's eyes light up at each pavilion. Walking through Sou Fujimoto's magnificent Grand Ring – a true masterpiece that remained refreshingly cool and breezy even during today's scorching summer heat – I watched my seven-year-old daughter's eyes light up at each pavilion. However, the sweltering heat highlighted a missed sustainability opportunity. Long queues formed at the limited water refill stations, while vending machines and vendors continued selling plastic water bottles. The elevated skyway besides providing superb views over the entire Expo, but remarkably, also offered water refill stations with no crowds (a hidden secret). Every pavilion should have featured its own refill station – not just for visitor comfort, but as a powerful statement about reducing single-use plastics and combating climate change. For an Expo themed "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," this oversight felt particularly glaring. The Evolution of Travel Inspiration A visit to Expo 2025 Osaka with my daughter became a profound lesson in how destinations can leverage global platforms to inspire high-yield travelers and tap into the powerful realm of passion tourism. As someone who has spent over three decades studying how destinations can authentically connect with visitors, what I observed at Yumeshima Island offers invaluable insights for tourism professionals worldwide. Granted, we need to recognize that while the national tourism board of the respective countries may have a role to play in their country’s participation at Expo, normally it is other government agencies that lead the organization of their pavillion, mostly the Ministry of of Foreign Affairs or Economy and Trade with a focus on investment. While tourism for most countries is a priority, it might not be the only or the ultimate priority, as becomes apparent when looking at some of the official pavillion websites – please see a selection: USA , Germany, Canada , Australia , Thailand , France , UAE , Netherlands , Luxembourg , UK , Portugal , Brazil , Nordic countries . Some countries do not have an official Expo pavillion website, and some confusingly remain under maintenance or construction. The Popularity Paradox: What Long Lines Really Tell Us What is the most telling indicator of an Expo pavilion's tourism marketing success? The length of its queue. It’s worth keeping in mind that the majority of visitors are from Japan, followed by China. So, the China Pavilion had already welcomed nearly 90,000 visitors by late April, averaging over 5,700 guests per day and reaching up to 8,000 on weekends. This is a powerful demonstration of visitor demand that translates directly into destination appeal – thereby demonstrating the effectiveness of combining cultural heritage with technological innovation for diverse visitor segments. The Chinese pavilion’s AI-powered Sun Wukong character, also known as the Monkey King (a literary and religious figure best known as one of the main characters in the 16th-century Chinese novel Journey to the West, who acquires supernatural powers through Taoist practices), creating real-time poetry and art represents the future of interactive destination marketing. Consistently long lines at the pavilions hosted by the US, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Austria, Philippines, China, Singapore, Thailand, Australia, Portugal, Switzerland, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Oman, and Türkiye proved to be more than crowd management challenges. They were proof of successful country branding, and the striking design of their respective pavillions. Canada's pavilion proved particularly strategic in its approach to the Japanese market. The sophisticated AR storytelling created immersive regeneration narratives that transformed visitors from observers into participants in Canada's sustainability story. This is precisely the type of engagement that resonates with Japanese families who represent high-value tourism segments. Understanding visitor demographics is crucial for interpreting pavilion popularity. With the Expo's primary audiences being domestic Japanese visitors, plus large numbers of Chinese tourists, the success of certain pavilions directly correlates with their appeal to East Asian travelers. Countries like Germany and France drawing massive crowds demonstrates their strong brand equity in these markets. The queue length becomes a real-time measurement of destination marketing effectiveness among culturally sophisticated audiences who prioritize cultural depth and thought-provoking breadth over attractions offering superficial immediacy. Strength-Based Strategy: Countries Playing to Their Advantages A strength-based strategic approach provides an excellent framework for analyzing which countries are maximizing their 2025 Expo presence for tourism impact. The pavilions drawing the longest queues demonstrate a clear understanding of their unique advantages and how to leverage them effectively with large volumes of visitors of all ages. Singapore's 17-meter Dream Sphere, consistently packed with visitors, represents masterful strategic thinking. Singapore understands its strengths as an innovation hub, and has connected these to attract tech-passionate travelers. Its pavilion embodies the nation’s aspiration to be where "dreams take shape." The measurable results appear in both queue length and visitor engagement once inside the pavilion. Australia's Chasing the Sun pavilion, with its perpetual crowds, also exemplifies this approach. Rather than trying to be everything to everyone, Australia identified its strengths in natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle. These are paired with emerging adventure travel trends and an immersive day-to-night experience that makes visitors yearn to discover Australia’s sunrise-to-sunset culture for themselves. The popularity of these pavilions among Japanese visitors – Expo 2025's primary demographic – demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of what drives travel decisions for Japanese travelers. Queue management becomes a real-time market research study. The Commons pavilions host a myriad of small countries, mostly developing nations, in a trade-show-like lay out in which each country has a small booth rather than a full pavilion. These are a great places to find stimulating and original travel gems. Personally. the Pakistan pavilion was an eye-catching stand-out, as it was covered in real Himalayan pink salt! Micro-niches as the Future of Smart Tourism Marketing Beyond the crowd-drawing powerhouses, the most sophisticated pavilions target specific micro-niches rather than appealing to mass tourism. This strategy becomes even more crucial when considering that most visitors are Japanese travelers – an audience that values depth and cultural sophistication over generic experiences. Austria's musical pavilion, requiring advance reservations due to popularity, demonstrating how effectively this micro-niche approach works with the Japanese market, masterfully uses interactive technology in its Cathedral of the Future, where visitors can shape AI-driven audiovisual shows. The wooden spiral representing Beethoven's Ode to Joy creates an emotional hook, specifically appeals to music enthusiasts and cultural heritage seekers, but the interactive conclusion drives tourism conversion. Switzerland's pavilion, with its four interconnected spheres filled with innovation, creates an "interactive and educational playground" experience targets sustainability enthusiasts and innovation seekers rather than traditional leisure travelers. The architectural boldness attracts attention, but the conceptual depth retains engagement from high-yield visitor segments who align with Japanese values around craftsmanship and environmental consciousness. Countries focusing on traditional crafts and cultural heritage find particular resonance with Japanese visitors. These are exactly the type of travelers who stay longer, spend more, are hungry for cultural experiences, and become destination advocates and ambassadors. This is passion tourism; travel motivated not by proximity or price, but by deep personal interests and emotional connections. The successful pavilions aren't simply showcasing their countries; they're identifying and sparking specific passions that directly influence travel decisions. The Interactive Revolution: From Observation to Participation Our pavilion visits revealed a critical insight: interactivity directly correlates with tourism inspiration. Canada's AR experience had my daughter completely engaged, using augmented reality to explore Canadian wilderness to cityscapes via simulated icebergs. This wasn't passive observation – it was active participation that created lasting emotional memories. In stark contrast, Mozambique's pavilion, while culturally authentic, offered limited interactive elements. Visitors walked through beautiful displays but left without the deep engagement that drives future travel decisions. Digital Nomads and the Future Workforce My daughter's fascination with technology demonstrations was embedded in another crucial trend I observed: the integration of technology narratives with destination marketing. Countries that successfully connect their technological capabilities to remote work opportunities are positioning themselves perfectly for the digital nomad market. The most forward-thinking pavilions aren't just showcasing technology; they're demonstrating how their countries support the future of work. This represents a nuanced appreciation of how passion tourism intersects with lifestyle trends, particularly relevant for attracting Japanese professionals seeking work-life balance abroad. The Storytelling Imperative As founder of the Destination Film Forum, I was particularly impressed by how the best pavilions prioritized storytelling over statistics. While we couldn't enter due to crowds, Italy's pavilion looked magnificent from the outside, and I learned it features actual Caravaggio and Tintoretto works inside – promoting Italian tourism and immersing visitors in Italy's artistic soul. Vietnam's pavilion exemplified authentic storytelling, and created an immediate emotional connection through their cultural narrative. This is the essence of effective destination marketing at Expo 2025: creating emotional connections that transcend traditional tourism promotion. Learning from the Masters Several pavilions stood out for combining popularity with meaningful visitor engagement. Japan's host pavilion sets the gold standard with its immersive zones – Plant, Farm, and Factory – exploring sustainability and technology through hands-on interaction. The circular structure celebrates Japanese culture and creates a journey where visitors experience Japan's vision for a future society through meaningful participation. The US pavilion, packed with cutting-edge technology and featuring a 4D film showcasing AI, space exploration, and autonomous vehicles, demonstrates how technological storytelling can appeal to diverse visitor demographics. The guided group format, while creating longer queues, ensures thoughtful engagement with American innovation narratives. The Future of Life pavilion by roboticist Hiroshi Ishiguro represents the apex of interactive destination marketing. The Changing Waters AR experience invites visitors to interact with water through digital overlays, creating shifting light patterns across the pavilion's surface. This technological interactivity creates unforgettable memories that drive destination consideration. The High-Yield Traveler Strategy What became clear during our visit is that the most sophisticated pavilions strategically target travelers who represent higher value: the culturally curious, the sustainability-conscious, the technology enthusiasts, and the authenticity seekers. These aren't tourists looking for a cheap package deal; they're travelers willing to invest in experiences that align with their passions. Brazil's pavilion demonstrated how their "poetic, sensory journey" approach through sound, art, and agroforestry innovation created emotional connections that static displays simply cannot achieve. Countries that understand this are showcasing pavilion experiences underpinned by detailed market research. They have identified which aspects of their offerings generate the strongest emotional responses and use this data to inform their broader tourism strategies. Tune in to our featured High-Yield Tourism Podcast episode on EXPO 2025 in Osaka (everywhere you get your podcasts) to explore how global expos are evolving and what this means for tourism professionals everywhere: The Parent Test Perhaps the most telling indicator of a pavilion's tourism potential was what I call "the parent test." Which pavilions made parents start researching flights before we even left? And here is a new reality: AI in the hands of young kids. Which pavillions prompted my 7-year old daughter to turn to her trusted ChatGPT friend to find more information and get her probing questions answered based on what she experienced in the pavillions? The answer is those that combine strong visual appeal (evidenced by long queues) with meaningful interactivity. When my daughter asked if we could visit Canada to see more of their nature conservation programs after the AR experience, or when she wanted to explore Peru's biodiversity after our pavilion visit, those countries had succeeded in converting Expo visitors into future travelers. Kudos to Canada for giving us the VIP treatment as Canadian citizens, but unfortunately Germany did not do the same for fellow Germans, and simply turned us away. For a little girl with three passports, Canada became her favorite because of our inspiring Canadian pavillion vist at Expo 2025 Osaka. The pavilions we couldn't enter due to crowds – the US, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia – created destination aspiration through sheer popularity. When children see hundreds of people queuing for something, it automatically elevates that country's desirability. This crowd psychology becomes powerful destination marketing, especially for family visitors who represent high-value tourism segments. Beyond the Expo: Sustainable Inspiration Countries demonstrating how they're addressing global challenges while maintaining their own cultural identity also proved highly popular. This resonates powerfully with high-yield travelers, who increasingly choose destinations based on values alignment. Countries understanding this dynamic are positioning themselves for significant tourism dividends. Luxembourg's "Doki Doki" pavilion, which will repurpose its materials for a nature adventure theme park, exemplifies this approach. It both promotes Luxembourg and demonstrates a national commitment to circular economy principles that resonate with environmentally conscious travelers. The Verdict Expo 2025 Osaka proves that the future of destination marketing lies in understanding and nurturing traveler passions rather than promoting generic attractions. The countries succeeding here have mastered the art of identifying their unique strengths, connecting them to specific traveler aspirations, and curating experiences that inspire emotional connections. As we walked back through the Grand Ring at sunset, my daughter clutching her Expo passport filled with stamps from the pavilions we had visited, I realized we had witnessed the future of destination inspiration. The countries that recognize Expo visitors as potential ambassadors for their unique stories will reap the benefits long after October 13, when the last pavilion closes its doors. For tourism professionals, the lesson is clear: stop trying to be everything to everyone. Instead, identify your unique strengths, understand the passions that drive your ideal visitors, and create experiences that transform casual interest into deep emotional connection. That's how you inspire the kind of travelers who don't just visit – they return, they recommend, and they become part of your destination's story. Tune in to our featured High-Yield Tourism Podcast episode on EXPO 2025 in Osaka (everywhere you get your podcasts) to explore how global expos are evolving and what this means for tourism professionals everywhere: Dr. Jens Thraenhart is co-founder of High-Yield Tourism, as well as the Founding Partner & CEO of Chameleon Strategies, representing the United Nations World Tourism Organization Affiliate Members Board as 2nd Vice Chair. He advises tourism boards and hotel companies, currently the Saudi Tourism Authority, and has served as CEO of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Executive Director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, and senior executive roles at Destination Canada and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. He co-founded various ventures, including Dragon Trail (China), Destination Mekong, Destination Film Forum, Enwoke, Digital Innovation Asia, and Blogger Match-up.
Saudi Ministry of Culture marks Saudi Cultural Week in Osaka this month
The Saudi Ministry of Culture is set to observe Saudi Cultural Week in Osaka, Japan, from 12th to 15th July at Expo-Gallery EAST. Saudi Cultural Week reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering cultural dialogue and celebrating cultural heritage and intersections between the two nations, and marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan. The four-day programme is made up of exhibitions, live demonstrations, and cultural experiences showcasing Saudi heritage and encouraging cultural dialogue and exchange with Japan. Organised by the Saudi Ministry of Culture with the participation of esteemed cultural entities including the Heritage Commission, the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth), the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy, Saudi Artisanal Company, and the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), Saudi Cultural Week will feature a diverse program of exhibitions and live demonstrations. In addition to the scheduled activities, the Saudi Pavilion at Expo will also remain open throughout the event period, offering visitors further opportunities to explore the Kingdom’s culture and heritage. What to expect during Saudi Cultural Week Visitors will experience the Saudi Heritage Majlis, a traditional gathering space inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, where they will be welcomed with Saudi hospitality experience. The ambience will be complemented by performances from a Saudi oud musician and a Japanese shamisen musician. With that in mind, the programme also includes live demonstrations of handicrafts such as Sadu weaving, palm frond weaving, pottery, and calligraphy, all of which highlight the Kingdom’s designation of 2025 as the Year of Handicrafts and the shared artistic traditions of both countries. In addition, a photographic exhibition curated by the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives will showcase significant moments in Saudi-Japanese relations over the past seven decades, offering a visual narrative of historical moments.
Get ready to experience the magic of Sufi songs at ‘Osaka Kabir Yatra’
The Malang Folk Foundation will host the Osaka Kabir Yatra, an international edition of India’s longest traveling folk music festival, the Rajasthan Kabir Yatra, across Osaka and Kyoto from 5th to 12th July 2025. Organized in partnership with the Indian Ocean World Studies (INDOWS) program at the University of Osaka, the Yatra aims to bring together musicians, seekers, and communities in a shared immersion into the spiritual songs of Bhakti and Sufi saints such as Kabir, Meera, Bulleh Shah, Shah Latif, and others. This musical journey will be led by celebrated Manganiyar vocalist Sakur Khan and his ensemble of folk musicians from western Rajasthan. At Osaka Kabir Yatra, audiences will experience the emotive power of Rajasthani Sufi-folk music through public concerts, immersive student seminars, and interactive musical workshops. The ensemble, led by Nikita Tiwari (Project Director, Malang Folk Foundation), includes traditional instrumentalists Satar Khan (Dholak), Fuse Khan (Sarangi), and Lateeb Khan (Khartal), each bringing the soul and rhythm of the desert to Japanese audiences. “This unique cultural odyssey brings the timeless wisdom of India’s mystic saints—Kabir, Meera Bai, Bulleh Shah, and others—across the seas to Japan. Through soul-stirring Sufi music performances and reflective sessions, the tour carries the living oral traditions of India to new shores. It’s about awakening deeper questions through music that has lived for centuries on the tongues of wandering saints,” said Gopal Singh Chouhan, Founder of the Rajasthan Kabir Yatra and Malang Folk Foundation. The Yatra will open with a research workshop and a public Sufi performance titled “A Sufi Musical Evening with Sakur Khan & Ensemble” on 5th July at Osaka University’s Minoh Campus, with free entry for all attendees. This will be followed by a week-long series of seminars and performances exploring key themes in mystic poetry—love, surrender, resistance, and spiritual oneness. Sessions such as “Unapologetically Meera”, “One Song, Many Voices”, and “Spirit of Oneness in Sufism” will invite university students to engage deeply with these living traditions. All sessions will be facilitated by Malang Folk Foundations’ Founder Gopal Singh Chouhan, who is also an independent scholar and archivist. Workshops on traditional Indian instruments and talks on the oral storytelling legacies of India’s desert communities will offer hands-on experiences. These sessions will be exclusive to students. The festival will conclude with an evening Satsang concert on 11th July at the Utano Youth Hostel in Kyoto, celebrating shared listening and collective reflection. Like the opening concert, this closing event will also be open to the public and free to attend. The performance is going to be held during the Minami Asia Kenkyu Shukai (South Asia Research Colloquium), to be held in Kyoto from 11 to 13 July 2025. The collaboration between the Malang Folk Foundation and INDOWS emerges from a shared vision of cultural dialogue and spiritual inquiry. It seeks to build bridges across borders through the transformative power of oral traditions, music, and mystic poetry. Regarding this partnership, Gopal Singh Chouhan said, “We are deeply honoured to be hosted by the Indian Ocean World Studies program at the University of Osaka, whose vision of cross-cultural dialogue lies at the heart of this collaboration.” "The Osaka Kabir Yatra reflects the core vision of the Indian Ocean World Studies program at the University of Osaka—exploring the movement of people, faith, culture, and ideas across the Indian Ocean and its surrounding regions,"said Takashi Miyamoto, Associate Professor, Osaka University. Supported by cultural archivists, faculty curators, and passionate students, the Osaka Kabir Yatra promises to be more than a musical event—it will be a spiritual exchange, a scholarly dialogue, and a celebration of shared humanity. If you are in Japan between 5th and 12th July, don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness the soulful magic of Rajasthan’s folk mystics. Come be part of this journey of music, mysticism, and cultural resonance.
Waldorf Astoria Osaka introduces ‘Canes & Tales’
Waldorf Astoria Osaka announces the opening of its destination cocktail bar Canes & Tales. A glamorous escape into a bygone era, Canes & Tales is inspired by the 1930s Golden Age of Jazz, evoking a world of intriguing timeless narratives. Found on the 28th floor of the Waldorf Astoria Osaka, the intimate 47-seat bar lies tucked at the end of a dimly lit corridor behind an alluring dark green door, distinguishable only by a symbolic gold ampersand. An homage to the hideaway bars of Manhattan, the property is a nod to the Waldorf Astoria’s legacy in New York. Once inside, guests are greeted with a uniquely shaped bar at the center of the room, giving the team a stage to perform each evening. Director of Mixology Dominic Dijkstra oversees the bar programme alongside Bar Manager Masahiko Ohama and Bar Supervisor Shimba Ishikawa, offering a depth of international experience in hospitality and cocktail development for guests from all walks of life to enjoy. Every menu at Canes & Tales will be designed around a specific tale, with the opening menu based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Tales of the Jazz Age. Each of the 11 short stories found within the collection has been reimagined as a cocktail, an ode to a time of unbridled elegance, reckless romance and the art of true indulgence. Like Fitzgerald’s prose, each libation is a composition of nuance and flair, an intoxicating blend of sophistication and mischief, poetry and pleasure. They capture the essence of a time when the night was young, the music was wild, and the possibilities were endless. The drinks are interactive and playful, such as The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, inspired by the tale of a child born with the wrinkles of an old man, living his life in reverse. Guests can choose their age (of whisky) - with a non-alcoholic whisky option, Glenfarclas 10 Year Old or Glenfarclas 25 Year Old - to combine with fig-infused Pedro Ximénez Sherry and Mancino Rosso Vermouth, Bénédictine DOM, Scrappy’s aromatic and orange bitters. The fanciful nature of the drinks further comes to life through whimsical drawings and retellings of each short story, giving the guest a taste of what’s to come. The food offerings seamlessly merge premium Japanese offerings and reimagined New York classics, with standouts like the Coney Island Hot Dog with house ketchup and mustard, Ruben Sliders and bourbon glazed C&T Fried Chicken, served with potatoes and gravy. The Charcuterie & Cheese Selection features local favorites alongside whole grain mustard, confiture, honey and mixed nuts, with Osaka “Iseya” Pickles on offer as a supplement. Japanese Oysters are another highlight, available Natural (with cocktail sauce, lemon and mignonette), Rockefeller (with herb viennoise, pernot and spinach) or Kilpatrick (with dry-cured ham, worcester sauce, ketchup, lemon, chervil and tomato). For true indulgence, the Waldorf Astoria Osaka Private Label Caviar menu features a choice of Kaluga or Ossetra, with an option of the classic preparation of blinis, sour cream, shallots, boiled egg, lime or a modern twist with bamboo charcoal macaroon, lemon sour cream. The NY Cheesecake and signature S’mores Our Way are not to be missed for a sweet finish.
Hilton Osaka
Hilton Osaka, 1 Chome-8-8 Umeda, Kita Ward, Osaka, Japan Japan
2nd Hospitality Japan Conference – ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka
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