Nordic–Kansai Business Alliance (NKBA) Officially Launched
Carrying the Legacy of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai into the Future — Advancing Sustainable Collaboration Between the Nordic Region and Kansai
On Saturday, October 11, the Nordic Pavilion, jointly presented by Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, announced the official launch of the Nordic–Kansai Business Alliance (NKBA) during the program of “Nordic Arctic Day.”
As the Pavilion’s final event before the closing of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, the announcement marked a significant milestone — ensuring that the achievements and partnerships cultivated over the past six months will continue to grow into the future.
Establishing a Lasting Platform for Nordic–Kansai Cooperation
The newly launched NKBA aims to carry forward the networks developed among Nordic and Kansai businesses, municipalities, and research institutions throughout the Expo, promoting mid- to long-term collaboration in a wide range of fields such as energy, urban design, tourism, and education.
Ms. Karen Ellemann, Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers, remarked:
“To enable Nordic companies to work with international partners, including those in Japan, to expand sustainable solutions and innovations, a well-structured framework for collaboration is essential. The many activities that have taken place at the Pavilion over the past six months have exemplified exactly that. The launch of this new alliance marks an important new step toward mutual benefit and strengthened regional cooperation.”
Mr. Anders Adlercreutz, Minister of Education of Finland, added:
“The Nordic region represents shared values such as sustainability, innovation, trust in the future, equality, and stability. Today’s announcement marks a key milestone for the Nordic chambers of commerce and businesses, coming together to deepen cooperation with Japan. With a network of over 400 companies, this alliance holds great potential to advance our shared values and create new opportunities.”
Mr. Erik Slottner, Minister for Civil Affairs of Sweden, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership:
“Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai has been an international platform for building strong ties between the Nordic region and Japan. The Kansai region, in particular, is a vital hub for Nordic companies looking to expand future collaboration. This business alliance demonstrates the Nordic countries’ long-term commitment to the region and will serve as a powerful driver for innovation, sustainable growth, and even closer relations between us.”
Representing the Kansai region, Mr. Hiroyuki Baba, Director General of the Department of Commerce, Industry and Labor of Osaka Prefecture, and Ms. Aya Wada, Executive Director of the Economic Strategy Bureau of Osaka City, both extended their congratulations:
“The Nordic countries have long been global leaders in innovation, environmental technologies, and sustainable solutions. Likewise, Osaka and the Kansai region have served as centers of technological innovation and entrepreneurship. By joining forces, we can create a powerful new engine for economic growth and a better future together.”
Toward the Closing of Expo 2025: From the Nordic Pavilion to the Future
Since its opening in April 2025, the Nordic Pavilion has hosted a rich series of high-level programs aimed at deepening dialogue and cooperation between Japan and the Nordic region.
Throughout the Expo, each country’s National Day welcomed distinguished guests — including members of royal families, presidents, and cabinet ministers — symbolizing the long-standing friendship and shared aspirations for future cooperation between the two regions.
Focusing on key themes such as life sciences, energy, gender equality, and culture and literature, the Nordic countries went beyond individual showcases to host a diverse range of joint international events. Experts, researchers, and industry leaders from both Japan and the Nordic countries participated in symposia, networking sessions, and practical dialogues to strengthen ties and explore new avenues of collaboration.
In addition, numerous partner companies held their own events, highlighting opportunities for cooperation across business, technology, culture, and society.
Over the past six months, the Pavilion hosted more than 200 business events and welcomed over 1.6 million visitors, establishing itself as a vibrant hub of innovation and exchange.
Through these activities, the Nordic Pavilion has become more than an exhibition space — it has served as a platform for sustainable dialogue and co-creation between Japan and the Nordic region.
Messages from the Nordic Commissioner General
Stine L. Guldmann, Commissioner General of Denmark
“Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai has been a wonderful opportunity to showcase Denmark’s strengths in sustainability, innovation, and quality of life. We have built new friendships and valuable networks, and international interest in Danish solutions has grown significantly. I sincerely thank everyone who visited and engaged with us throughout this journey.”
Nita Pilkama, Commissioner General of Finland
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Expo organizers and to the people of Osaka and the Kansai region. Through this project, we have forged many new connections and demonstrated to the world that nations can work together to tackle global challenges in a positive and constructive way.”
Ragnar Þorvarðarson, Commissioner General of Iceland
“Over the past six months, it has been a great privilege to present Iceland in Japan alongside our Nordic partners. We have been able to highlight Iceland’s innovation, sustainability, creativity, and our strong Nordic ties. We are deeply grateful to our six corporate partners and over 50 supporting companies. Visits from our President and Minister of Industry have further strengthened Icelandic interest in Japan, making this Expo participation truly meaningful. We look forward to building on these achievements in the years ahead.”
Finn Kristian Aamodt, Commissioner General of Norway
“We commend Osaka and Kansai for hosting this remarkable Expo. For the Nordic countries, it has been a valuable opportunity to share our core values of trust and collaboration. The strong visitor turnout shows how deeply Nordic stories resonate with Japan. The great participation in our business seminars also reflects the growing interest in partnerships with Nordic and Norwegian companies. The establishment of the Nordic Chamber of Commerce in Osaka demonstrates our expanding presence in the Kansai region. We extend our deepest thanks to our Japanese partners for their tremendous support throughout the Expo.”
Cecilia Ekholm, Commissioner General of Sweden
“These six months have been a wonderful journey of cooperation and trust. Sweden is proud to have been part of the Nordic Pavilion and Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. We look forward to continuing to build upon the legacy created here — both in Japan and around the world.”
After six months of collaboration, innovation, and exchange, the Nordic Pavilion has truly served as a bridge between Japan and the Nordic region — nurturing new connections, dialogue, and ideas for future projects.
The Pavilion’s journey does not end with the close of the Expo; it marks the beginning of a continued partnership and shared commitment to a more sustainable and interconnected future.