"Norway National Day" Event report
Minister Espen Barth Eide Leads Norway National Day at Expo 2025, Celebrating Nordic Cooperation and Strengthening Ties with Japan
The Nordic Pavilion, a joint exhibition by the five Nordic countries—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden—continues to draw attention at Expo 2025 Osaka. On Monday, June 2, Norway hosted its National Day, coinciding with the 120th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Norway. The event was graced by the presence of Espen Barth Eide, Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, marking a special day of cultural exchange, economic dialogue, and strengthened international bonds.
Offiicial Ceremony
The morning began in the National Day Hall (“Ray Garden”) with an official opening ceremony attended by Minister Eide, representatives from the Norwegian government, and executives from leading partner companies—DNV, Statkraft, Kongsberg, Equinor, Rystad Energy, GE Healthcare, and the Norwegian Seafood Council.
A highlight of the ceremony was a stunning live performance by acclaimed Norwegian singer Helene Bøksle, known for her ethereal folk-pop, accompanied by composer Eirik Berge, celebrated for his work with global and Nordic artists.
Japan–Norway Business Dialogue
Following the cultural showcase, Minister Eide and senior Norwegian government and business leaders participated in the Japan–Norway Business Dialogue. This high-level forum, held within the Nordic Pavilion, featured panel discussions on critical areas shared by both nations:
-Sustainable food and energy value chains
-Maritime infrastructure and security
-Promoting diversity and inclusion in business and society
Representatives from major Norwegian companies and Japanese officials explored strategies to deepen cooperation in sustainability, green transition, and global commerce, reinforcing Norway’s role as a strategic partner.
Minister Eide’s Pavilion Tour & Ukraine Solidarity
During his visit, Minister Eide toured several key exhibition spaces, including the Japan Pavilion, Nordic Pavilion, Osaka Healthcare Pavilion, UN Pavilion, and notably, the Ukraine Pavilion. His visit to the Ukraine Pavilion underscored Norway’s solidarity and ongoing commitment to international cooperation. In a press Q&A, he emphasized that the visit signified Norway’s firm support for Ukraine during its time of need .
He expressed his appreciation for the pavilion’s storytelling approach and urged Expo visitors to explore and learn from Ukraine’s resilience and innovation .
With its mix of heartfelt performances, themed dialogues, and solidarity visits, the event underscored core Nordic values—trust, cooperation, and sustainability—and spotlighted Japan and Norway’s shared future direction .