In a move reflecting the depth of friendship and strong relations between the UAE and Japan, the UAE Pavilion at 'Expo 2025 Osaka' gifted its wooden shade structure and installed it in a children's park in Tottori Prefecture. This will continue its role as a community gathering space, bringing together children and visitors under its shade. The wooden structure was a prominent part of the entrance to the UAE Pavilion during the expo, where it provided a shaded area that welcomed millions of visitors. Its transfer to the 'Kodomo no Kuni' children's amusement park in Tottori Prefecture extends its community role in a new, vibrant setting. UAE Ambassador to Japan and Commissioner General of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Fahim, stated that the pavilion was designed from the outset to be a space where cultures meet through the language of innovative design, constructive human dialogue, and inspiring interactive experiences. The wooden structure served as a central reception point for visitors upon entering, giving them a moment for reflection and preparation before embarking on their tour. He added that installing the structure in Tottori Prefecture enhances its role as a lively community space, and they hope it will continue to be a gathering place for community members, strengthening the legacy of the UAE Pavilion and deepening its impact in Japan. Tottori Prefecture Governor Shinji Hirai expressed pride in hosting the UAE's wooden structure, noting that the pavilion made a strong impression on visitors with its sophisticated design and warm reception. He added that the structure's presence in Kodomo no Kuni park allows the legacy of this participation in Japan to continue, and they hope it will become a space where children and families gather, embodying the spirit of cultural exchange and the strong bonds of friendship between the UAE and Japan. The wooden structure was designed as part of the entry experience to the UAE Pavilion, creating a transitional space that welcomed visitors upon their arrival from the expo site. Within an environment inspired by the natural 'Satoyama' forests, the structure was part of a broader narrative exploring the interconnectedness of humanity, nature, and craftsmanship. This interconnectedness is also reflected in the landscapes that characterize both the UAE and Tottori Prefecture, where the sand dunes of Tottori resemble those in the deserts of the UAE, both shaped by winds over time to become distinctive features of their respective geographical identities. During the six-month Expo 2025 Osaka, the UAE Pavilion welcomed over five million visitors in total, offering an immersive, multi-sensory experience for audiences from around the world, inspired by its slogan 'From Earth to Ether'.
The plaque beside the structure reads: 'This wooden structure for the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka was designed to embody an inspiring dialogue between Emirati heritage and Japanese craftsmanship, celebrating a mutual appreciation for nature and society. After welcoming visitors at the entrance to the country's pavilion during the expo, it was gifted to the people of Tottori Prefecture, where it continues its role in providing shade and creating a space for gathering, becoming a steadfast symbol of the deep-rooted friendship between Japan and the United Arab Emirates.'
