Iceland’s National Day - The Program has been announced
The Nordic Pavilion, representing Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, celebrates each nation through dedicated National Days. On Thursday, May 29, it will be Iceland’s turn to present a vibrant, meaningful program under the theme “Peace and Equality.”
Iceland Day offers visitors a chance to experience Icelandic culture, its commitment to peace and gender equality, and its forward-looking vision for the future.
The day begins with collaborative sessions focusing on dialogue and learning, and transitions into cultural celebrations in the afternoon, with an address by the President of Iceland, Ms Halla Tómasdóttir, and a live performance by Icelandic artists.
Performing for the first time in Japan since Fuji Rock 2023, Ásgeir, alongside the uniquely gifted JFDR – often described as a successor to Björk – and an acclaimed composer Gabríel Ólafs, will bring the day to a powerful close with a special musical performance.
Guests can experience Icelandic music at the central exhibition of the Nordic pavilion. Musicians Sindri Már Sigfússon (Sin Fang) and Kjartan Hólm have produced a soundtrack that captures the atmosphere and the seasons of the Nordic countries in a 20-minute musical piece that plays in sync with the visual artwork “The Circle of Trust,” one of the exhibition's pillars. The Nordic Pavilion will be open to the public from 09:00 to 11:30 and again from 16:00 to 21:00.
On Iceland Day the President will also join young people at the United Nations Pavilion for discussions on the future, peace, and the SDGs, moderated by Yuki Nakane.
Program Overview
[Morning Program]
10:00-11:00
Literary talk in the Nordic Pavilion with Rán Flygenring and Shohei Akakura, about the book Vigdís, the world’s first female president. Opening remarks by Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir, Mayor of Reykjavík.
11:15-12:15
Fireside chat with Ms Halla Tómasdóttir, the President of Iceland, on gender equality and women’s empowerment at the Women’s Pavilion WA Space. Moderated by Sayuri Daimon.
*Please apply for the registration here
[Afternoon Program]
16:00–17:00
Pizza Time by Flétta and Ýrúrarí at the Nordic Pavilion.
16:30–17:30
Official Ceremony at the National Day Hall "Ray Garden"
- Opening Ceremony
- Keynote by the President of Iceland
- Special Cultural Program Concert featuring Ásgeir, JFDR, and the composer Gabríel Ólafs
From the Icelandic Commissioner, Ragnar Thorvardarson
“Iceland’s National Day at Expo 2025 Osaka is a valuable opportunity to share our core values of peace and equality with the world. Through culture, music, and dialogue, we hope to inspire every visitor who joins us.”
Join us for a day where dialogue and art come together at Expo 2025 Osaka.