Since the opening of Expo 2025 Osaka, the Hungary Pavilion has offered visitors a rich lineup of events and performances almost every single day. In recent weeks, special attention was given to female creators whose artistic work has built bridges between Hungary and Japan for decades.
Through the presentations of Hungarian children’s book authors, ceramic artists, and visual artists, guests were given insight into creative processes deeply influenced by Japanese aesthetics and philosophy. One of the highlights was the personal appearance of Veronika Marék, the author of Laci and the Lion, a beloved children’s book that has also gained great popularity in Japan. In her talk, she revisited the origins of this more-than-sixty-year-old story.
Expo visitors also had the opportunity to explore the work of Hungarian female film directors. Their films addressed a range of social and cultural topics, such as aging, generational divides, and the challenges of film restoration.
The Hungary Pavilion also engaged audiences with interactive programs. One playful activity explored Hungarian-Japanese cultural stereotypes, encouraging the discovery of unexpected similarities and common ground. One of the most memorable moments of recent weeks was a symbolic encounter between Japanese tea ceremony and Hungarian hospitality: visitors were offered gyokuro tea – served in traditional miskakancsó jugs – with Szamos marzipan, a gesture made possible through special permission.
The cultural program was further enriched by musical performances. Pianist Norbert Káel presented a delicately curated fusion of classical music and jazz, while Endre Hegedűs and his wife, Katalin Hegedűs, captivated the audience with a four-hand piano performance. Meanwhile, the Hungarian National Dance Ensemble gave a powerful showcase of the rich folk dance traditions of the Carpathian Basin, leaving a strong impression on the international audience.
