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In a world shaken by climate change, division, poverty, and war, it is more important than ever to envision hope for the future through culture, expression, and co-creation with others.

In this talk session, Sachiko Nakajima—Producer of the Osaka-Kansai Expo Thematic Project “Invigorating Life”—will serve as moderator, engaging in a dialogue with Commisioner Generals from the Liberia Pavilion, the Australia Pavilion, and the United Nations Pavilion. Together, they will share perspectives on co-creating the future from their unique regional and personal experiences.

The Liberia representative, also a singer, will speak on gender issues and the power of youth. The Australia representative will introduce its vision of coexistence with Indigenous cultures and valuing historical heritage. The UN representative Maher Nasser, drawing on his background as a Palestinian-born immigrant, will offer a multifaceted perspective on global challenges.

Following the discussion, a collaborative performance featuring visually impaired young singers and the Jellyfish Band will take place—offering a moment where music and dialogue intertwine to spark hope and creativity.

【Reflection】
Women’s Pavilion “WA” – Report on Part II: Inclusive Jam – We Are All Minorities!

The second session of Inclusive Jam – We Are All Minorities! at the Women’s Pavilion “WA” was held under the theme “Horizons of Hope in a Shifting World: Co-Creating the Future.” Crossing boundaries of culture, gender, disability, nationality, and ethnicity, participants from around the world gathered to engage with one another and explore how we might build a society where everyone can live authentically and freely as themselves.

The session was moderated by Sachiko Nakajima, Producer of the Osaka–Kansai Expo Thematic Project “Invigorating Lives.” Although the planned guests from the Liberia Pavilion and the United Nations Pavilion were unable to attend, the discussion was enriched by two distinguished speakers: Rossella Menegazzo, Cultural Representative of the Italy Pavilion, and Edward Katayama Trupković, Government Representative of the Croatia Pavilion.
Ms. Menegazzo spoke about the depth and diversity of Italy’s regional cultures and the possibilities the Italy Pavilion envisions for an Expo that fosters dialogue through culture. Mr. Trupković shared Croatia’s long history, cultural heritage, and the pride and resilience of its people. Both presentations carried a universal message — that culture is a bridge to co-creating our shared future — and the atmosphere in the venue grew increasingly warm and inspired.

Following the dialogue session, a captivating performance of Awa Deku Hako Mawashi took place. The puppets seemed to come alive, dancing and singing with expressive vitality that left the audience breathless. The evening then reached a moving finale as two blind singers from Liberia, Sema and Gladys, joined KURAGE Band on stage. Together they performed “African Night” (composed by Sachiko Nakajima), with Sema joyfully singing in Japanese, “Konnichiwa! Arigatou!” The entire venue filled with smiles and applause.

In that moment, music, language, and culture merged into one — an embodiment of connection beyond difference. It was a time when everyone could truly feel the meaning of “We Are All Minorities!” — a celebration of diversity, hope, and the creative power that unites us all.

【Post EXPO Initiatives】
Building on the momentum of Inclusive Jam – We Are All Minorities! at the Women’s Pavilion “WA,” the Jellyfish Pavilion team will continue to expand its circle of international collaboration through music, culture, and education.

With Italy, KURAGE Band and Sachiko Nakajima have already engaged in more than ten collaborations combining music and dialogue. Moving forward, we aim to further deepen Japan–Italy cultural exchange, inspiring mutual creativity and innovation. A highlight of this next phase will be the planned Italy performance of the participatory new Noh production “Toki no Wa – Jirin” (written by Akihiro Yamamoto), co-created by Yamamoto Noh Theater and KURAGE Band. Through this encounter between Japanese traditional performing arts and Italian artistic culture, we seek to open a new cultural horizon that transcends generations and social boundaries.

We also hope to strengthen partnerships with Croatia and Serbia, the host country of the next World Expo. By studying and engaging with the rich rhythms of cultural and artistic expression across Europe, we aim to document and celebrate the process by which these unique traditions evolve and transform into the shared “world culture” of the future. Culture gains new meaning when it crosses borders, and it is precisely this transformative process that we wish to honor and nurture.

Our connection with Liberia will likewise deepen. Together with Queen Juli Endee, the country’s government representative who could not return to Japan at this time, as well as blind singers Sema and Gladys, we plan to continue long-term collaboration centered around Yao City and KURAGE Band—not only through music and culture but also through business and STEAM education. We envision a cross-continental educational and cultural model that fosters creativity through collaboration among people of diverse backgrounds in both Africa and Japan.

In addition, we are exploring future collaboration with the United Nations. Working with Maher Nasser, Director of the UN Pavilion (who was unable to attend this time), and many others involved in the Pavilion’s planning, we aim to connect schools across Japan and around the world with the UN through steAm’s “Future Earth School.” This initiative will empower children and youth to co-create and implement new social frameworks for the “Beyond SDGs” era.

From local communities to the world, we will carry forward the spirit of dialogue and co-creation born at the Expo. Diverse lives resonate, elevate, and inspire one another — and we will continue this symphony toward a shared, life-enhancing future.