OSAKA: The Palestine Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo held National Day celebrations on Sunday, featuring a series of events attended by Palestinian and Japanese officials as well as many guests and visitors.
The celebration ceremony commenced with the raising of the Palestinian and Japanese flags. This was followed by the playing of the national anthems and various speeches. The event concluded with a performance by a Palestinian folklore group, which showcased the Dabke dance accompanied by traditional Palestinian songs.
The Palestinian Pavilion also hosted an evening event to celebrate Palestinian National Day, attended by Palestine’s Minister of Economy, Mohammad Al-Amour, along with approximately 100 guests.
Waleed Siam, the Palestinian Ambassador to Japan, warmly welcomed the distinguished guests at the gathering. In his opening remarks, he said “We are gathered here tonight to celebrate Palestine National Day. Despite the profound challenges we face—under Israeli military occupation, with Gaza enduring famine and forced displacement of over two million Palestinians, and marking 601 days of ongoing genocide. The West Bank and Jerusalem are witnessing the destruction of refugee camps, ongoing closures, and the expansion of illegal Israeli colonial settlements.”
Ambassador Siam said “Yet, amid these hardships, we stand here at Expo Osaka 2025 to send a clear message: We teach life; we value life. We remain resilient and optimistic, believing that freedom for Palestine is inevitable.
The Palestinian Ambassador expressed his “unwavering hope that is strengthened by the support of friends like you here in Japan, and said Palestine is deeply grateful to the government and people of Japan for their solidarity.
Ambassador Siam concluded by assuring the audience that “Palestine will be free.”
Minister Amour’s passionate appeal for the recognition of Palestine resonated with the audience, stirring a sense of urgency for peace and development.
Attendants included UEMURA Tsukasa, the Special Envoy for Middle East Peace, and officials from the Japanese Foreign Ministry, as well as a member of the Japanese parliament.
Following the speech, a vibrant fashion show showcased an array of traditional Palestinian costumes. Models elegantly paraded down the runway, displaying garments rich in cultural significance and intricate designs. The colorful outfits, adorned with embroidery and unique patterns, celebrated the heritage of Palestinian artistry, captivating the audience with their beauty and craftsmanship.
Attendees at the ceremony, in a powerful display of unity, wore flags and traditional scarves to show their unwavering solidarity with Palestine.
The Palestinian Pavilion, a symbol of global support, has attracted many expo visitors, who proudly waved the flag of Palestine and expressed their support for a free Palestine.
AloJapan.com