People in Ireland Unite Through Artistic Expression
Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey as you explore the Ireland Pavilion, nestled within the Empowering Lives zone of Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai. This cultural hub celebrates the creative and cultural links between Ireland and Japan, offering visitors a unique experience that transcends time and space.
At the heart of the Ireland Pavilion lies the Lafcadio Hearn Exhibition, a captivating tribute to the literary and cultural contributions of a man who is little known in Ireland but has had a profound impact on Japanese literature. Lafcadio Hearn, an Irish-born author who spent much of his life in Japan, is the focus of this exhibition, which transports visitors through a literary and cultural museum experience.
As you traverse the exhibition, you'll encounter Hearn's works, delve into his connection to Japan, and explore his favourite places such as Oki Island in Shimane Prefecture. The exhibition is housed in a pavilion inspired by the triskele, an ancient Celtic pattern, adding an air of mystique to your journey.
Stepping outside, you'll find the circular sculpture of Magnus Rinn, a masterpiece created by Irish artist Joseph Walsh. This striking piece is located outside the Lafcadio Hearn Exhibition pavilion, serving as a beacon of Irish artistry at the Expo.
The Magnus Rinn sculpture has been the subject of much admiration, with a banner photo of it gracing the pages of our website. Japanese artist Uchiyama Ken'ichi and our team collaborated on the article about Magnus Rinn, providing insights into its creation and significance. Kuroiwa Masakazu of 96-Box also offered photographic assistance for the article.
Visitors to the Ireland Pavilion can also immerse themselves in Irish music and dancing in a circular hall surrounded by a giant screen. The pavilion is divided into three interconnected spaces, each with a unique theme: Ireland, Ireland's relationship with Japan, and the spirit of creative collaboration.
It's important to note that the Lafcadio Hearn Exhibition and the Irish national day celebrations are separate events, taking place at different locations within the Expo. Ireland marks its national day on Saturday, June 14, at the Expo National Day Hall.
To find the Ireland Pavilion, refer to the official map of Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai. The exhibition is available for a limited period, so be sure to visit before October 13, 2025, when the Expo comes to a close.
Embark on this cultural journey and uncover the rich tapestry of Ireland's relationship with Japan at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai.
While exploring the Ireland Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai, take a moment to appreciate the Magnus Rinn sculpture, an impressive work by Irish artist Joseph Walsh, which is showcased in a home-and-garden setting outside the Lafcadio Hearn Exhibition pavilion. After your visit to the exhibition, immerse yourself in Irish culture by enjoying music and dancing in a circular hall, featuring a giant screen, that represents the home-and-garden themed space within the pavilion.
