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This session introduces various ongoing initiatives of the Cabinet Secretariat’s Expo International Exchange Program across Japan. It explores the dynamic encounters and creative possibilities between Japan and the world through the Expo.Bringing together governors, ambassadors, consuls, cultural anthropologists, artists, educators, and children, the event fosters through diverse local cultures, as well as songs and dances that connect the world, featuring a performance by KURAGE Band—all in an effort to enhance the excitement leading up to the Expo.

Producer Nakajima, who is also a musician, will take this opportunity of the Expo, where wisdom from all over the world will gather, to ask the question of the meaning of connecting people and the world through music. It will also serve as an example of the Cabinet Secretariat's Expo International Exchange Program. She will be joined by members of his multinational band "KURAGE Band," as well as guests such as the Yamamoto Noh Theatre, with whom she has worked together to promote culture and the arts, to deliver talks and performances.

【Reflection】
This dialogue program, “Expo Connects,” provided a valuable opportunity to explore from multiple perspectives the possibilities for connecting the world with Japan and the region with the world, based on examples from the “Expo International Exchange Program” promoted by the Cabinet Secretariat. A diverse group of speakers came together to discuss from their own perspectives the possibilities for international exchange and the transmission of local culture through the Expo.

Cultural anthropologist Mariko Hasegawa emphasized the importance of “enjoying differences,” and stated that the dialogue and understanding that can only be created by confronting differences in culture and values is the foundation for building a future symbiotic society. Norihiro Okuda, a former diplomat, also spoke about the diplomatic aspect of the Expo and the significance of dialogue that connects the hearts of individuals, reiterating that international exchange is not a one-way street but a process of mutual respect and learning from each other.

Furthermore, artist and producer Sachiko Nakajima embodied the idea that “music and art are languages that transcend national borders,” and through the performance of the multinational band “KURAGE Band,” created a place where people from around the world could connect emotionally. This experience mediated by music strongly impressed upon the audience the possibility of exchange that transcends logic.

Also noteworthy was the participation of children. Their comments and performances from a pure perspective showed the imagination and flexibility of the generation that bears the future, and provided many insights for the adults as well. The collaboration with local performing arts and culture, as well as with education, was evident throughout the event, and the content made us realize that the Expo is not just an event, but functions as a place for learning and co-creation.

This was a time for people from diverse backgrounds, generations, and nationalities to experience “connection,” reaffirming the significance of the Expo and showing that the seeds of co-creation for the future are steadily being nurtured.

【Post EXPO Initiatives】
The insights and encounters gained through this dialogue program must be linked to concrete actions for the future. First of all, it is important not to view the Expo as a one-time event, but to emphasize the process leading up to the event and the creation of lasting connections afterward.

The program reaffirmed that local traditional arts and culture can serve as a medium to connect with the world. Therefore, efforts to further support and disseminate cultural activities rooted in local communities are needed. For example, it is expected to realize a bridge to the next generation through workshops linked to school education and the regional development of international exchange programs.

In addition, the “KURAGE Band” and the performance in collaboration with Yamamoto Noh Theater introduced in the program reminded us of the inclusive power of art and its ability to transmit information. It is important to expand these efforts to other regions and intentionally increase opportunities for the local and global to resonate with each other.

Of particular note is the creative engagement of children. The children who communicated their own thoughts through music, dance, and expression fully demonstrated their potential as future leaders of a multicultural society. In order to continuously nurture this, it is essential to create a cross-sector network involving not only schools and families, but also local communities, government, and the private sector.

Furthermore, we should also consider using the international stage of the Expo to expand dialogue and exchange programs. By developing a platform for collaboration among children, youth, artists, and researchers from Japan and abroad, we can provide a place where people can realize that the “world” exists as an extension of their daily lives.