A tribute to unity, creativity, and the power of women to shape the future.
Osaka, May 30, 2025 – and Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai officially inaugurated the Women’s Pavilion on May 21, 2025. Created through a unique partnership with the Cabinet Office, Ministry of Economy and Industry, Cartier and the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, the Women’s Pavilion serves as a global platform dedicated to championing gender equality, sparking collective dialogue, and recognising the vital contributions of women in building more inclusive, resilient societies.
From the introductory remarks and the launch of the WA dialogues, to a deeply moving opening ceremony and a culturally rich Women’s Pavilion celebration dinner on the picturesque Osaka Geihinkan Lawn, this inaugural day marked the beginning of a journey of inspiration and engagement.
Women’s Pavilion Introductory Remarks
The official inauguration of the Women’s Pavillon began in the WA space, a communal agora located on the Women’s Pavilion’s second floor, designed to serve as a venue for panels and conversations over the next six months of the exhibition. Intended as a forum for reflection, exchange, and forward momentum, it is here that the Women’s Pavilion’s mission was first set in motion.
In this opening session, Yuko Nagayama, the Japanese architect of the Women’s Pavilion was joined by Dimitri Kerkentzes, Secretary General of the BIE, Cyrille Vigneron, Chairman of Cartier Culture and Philanthropy and June Miyachi, CEO and President of Cartier Japan. Together, they unveiled the true essence of the Women’s Pavilion, delivering a powerful message: women’s empowerment is the beating heart of our collective future. Their statement reinforced the Women’s Pavilion’s lasting legacy, born from the pioneering spirit of Expo 2020 Dubai and now reimagined in Osaka.
Building on this legacy, the Women’s Pavilion façade created by Yuko Nagayama will be given a third life after the Expo. It will be reused as the main stage structure of the official area of the Green Expo in Yokohama in 2027, extending the Women’s Pavilion’s architectural and symbolic impact far beyond the Expo.
The WA space embodies the Women’s Pavilion’s deeper purpose to be a global forum where ideas transcend borders, where diverse voices converge to spark action, and where long-held paradigms are courageously reimagined. In the tradition of World Expos, from Dubai to Osaka, this is a motor for progress. Through the synergy of governments, corporations, civil society, and the cultural world, the Women’s Pavilion seeks to ignite lasting change. Here, design becomes dialogue, architecture becomes advocacy, and conversation becomes catalyst.
WA Dialogues: shaping the world together
The WA dialogues opened with a powerful call to action, bringing together global voices under the theme “Shaping The World Together." Moderated by the celebrated writer, broadcaster, and gender equality champion, Sandi Toksvig OBE, the opening dialogue “Together We Thrive: Forging Alliances for a Brighter Future" featured Cyrille Vigneron, Kirsi Madi, Deputy Executive Director for Resource Management, Sustainability and Partnerships at UN Women and Dr. Anino Emuwa, Managing Director of Avandis Consulting and Founder of 100 Women@Davos. Together they explored how institutional, corporate, and grassroots alliances can dismantle systemic barriers and accelerate the realisation of SDG 5: Gender Equality.
A second session, titled “Transformative Philanthropy: The Power to Change Lives", moderated by Pascale de la Frégonnière, Strategic Advisor to Cartier Philanthropy, highlighted the tangible role philanthropy plays in supporting women and girls. Joined by Safeena Husain, founder and board member of Educate Girls, Benjamin Omondi Mboya, Executive Director of Ujamaa, and Cyrille Vigneron, this dialogue addressed issues ranging from gender-based violence to legal inequality and access to education and healthcare.
“When public and private sectors, philanthropic foundations and individuals unite in a common cause, they become a powerful force for good.The WA Dialogues are a modern agora, inviting brilliant minds of good will to share ideas and achievements, especially women from around the world. Empowering women is a cornerstone of lasting progress because when women thrive, humanity thrives."
Cyrille Vigneron, Chairman of Cartier Culture & Philanthropy
An opening ceremony rooted in culture, innovation and purpose
At the heart of the Expo Hall, the Women’s Pavilion Opening Ceremony gathered an intergenerational and international audience of 1,600 guests, including government officials, corporate partners, international and local media, and students, reflecting the Women’s Pavilion’s inclusive mission.
Set within an auditorium inspired by cymatics, the science of visual sound, the space itself became a resonant body. Drum-shaped and sensorially immersive, it transformed sound waves into shimmering patterns projected across walls and ceilings, turning every speech and performance into a visual and emotional experience.
More than a stage, it became a vessel through which the voices and visions of the Women’s Pavilion could reverberate, amplifying its message of unity and transformation.
The event opened with a welcome address from June Miyachi, President & CEO of Cartier Japan, who reaffirmed Cartier’s commitment to gender equality and deep conviction that when women thrive, humanity thrives. A video message from Yoshitaka Itō, Minister for the World Expo 2025 of Japan, and a keynote address by Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado stressed the urgent need for unity and action. Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority of United Arab Emirates reflected on the legacy of the Women’s Pavilion, emphasising the power of collaboration for the greater good. A poignant video message from Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, a long-time supporter of the Women’s Pavilion and one of its featured visionaries further amplified the call for lasting change.
The ceremony concluded with remarks from Cyrille Vigneron, Chairman of Cartier Culture and Philanthropy, who reaffirmed Cartier’s partnership with Expo as a powerful platform for global dialogue, meaningful collaboration and lasting progress.
“At Cartier, we believe that progress is a collective endeavour. The Women’s Pavilion is a space for elevation of voices, of ideas, of perspectives and A reminder that lasting equality is within our reach when we choose to build it together."
June Miyachi, President & CEO, Cartier Japan
“Women have always been at the heart of creating change, yet their stories often go untold. The Women’s Pavilion celebrates their strength and resilience, shining a light on the power of women to inspire and shape the future. It is a call for all of us to recognise their contributions and work hand-in-hand to create a more equitable and compassionate world." Tetsuko Kuroyanagi Television personality, Author, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
Artistic performances as a universal language
Poetry opened the ceremony with a performance by JJ Bola, writer, poet and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador. Reading his original piece “Something Beautiful", and accompanied by a music composition by Kieran Brunt, Bola set the emotional tone for the unfolding programme. Known for his exploration of identity and masculinity, his voice carried a message of resilience and collective awakening, inviting the audience to dream, to remember, and to act. Rooted in personal memory and universal truth, the performance echoed the Women’s Pavilion’s call to unity and transformation.
The evening culminated in a transcendent finale, a choreographed celebration of harmony and renewal. In a powerful convergence of tradition and innovation, Wadaiko drummers, folk singer Anna Sato, two youth soloists, and international and Japanese choirs came together to perform an original composition inspired by Heian-era poetry and the vivid colours of Japanese spring. Entitled “The Flower of the Human Heart", the piece drew from the words of Izumi Shikibu to express a collective call for resilience, unity, and transformation.
Each performer wore a handcrafted garment dyed in one of 19 traditional hues by the Kyoto textile house Hosoo. Merging centuries-old Nishijin weaving techniques with contemporary craftsmanship, the costumes were a living expression of individuality and collective strength, a metaphor for the Women’s Pavilion itself.
Conceived by Es Devlin, the stage sculpture is formed of light, water and sound, used as a series of instruments transmitting the words and ideas that are central to the Women’s Pavilion.
A night of cultural tribute and shared conviction
The evening transitioned to the Osaka Geihinkan Lawn, where guests were immersed in the spirit of the Kansai region. Under lanterns crafted in Kyoto, surrounded by Wakayama ceramics and local flora, guests enjoyed a refined dinner by Michelin-starred Chef Kei Kobayashi, blending French and Japanese culinary traditions.
The celebration dinner also included a rare Noh performance of Wisteria, reinterpreted by the legendary Kongo family, featuring a female flutist, a symbolic moment of transformation in a traditionally male art form.
Later in the evening, acclaimed poet Emi Mahmoud delivered a powerful spoken-word piece, echoing the themes of justice, identity, and resilience.
A Women’s Pavilion for now and for the future
With its inauguration the Women’s Pavilion affirms its mission to be more than a symbol, it is a living and breathing platform for progress. From April to October, the Women’s Pavilion will host a vibrant program of WA dialogues, immersive exhibitions, and participatory experiences that invite the world to listen, reflect, and co-create a more equitable future.
Guided by the values of unity, creativity, and hope, the Women’s Pavilion aims to leave a lasting imprint, not only on Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, but on the global movement for gender equality
About Cartier
A reference in the world of luxury, Cartier, whose name is synonymous with open-mindedness and curiosity, stands out with its creations and reveals beauty wherever it may lie. Jewellery, high jewellery, watchmaking and fragrances, leather goods and accessories: Cartier’s creations symbolise the convergence between exceptional craftsmanship and a timeless signature. Cartier is part of Richemont and has a worldwide presence through its network of flagships and boutiques, authorised retail partners, and online.
About Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan will bring together millions of people for The World’s Greatest Show, celebrating human brilliance and achievement under the theme ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives’.
The 184 days from April 13 to October 13, 2025 will be a moment in time to be part of an unparalleled event. 28.2 million visits are expected.
