The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) are continuing preparations for the Japan Pavilion at Expo 2027 Belgrade, which will be held in Belgrade, Republic of Serbia, from May 15 to August 15, 2027. On October 27, 2026, marking 200 days until the opening of the Expo, METI and
JETRO held a press conference to announce the appointment of Dragan Stojkovic (“Pixy”) as a Promotional Ambassador for the Japan Pavilion, as well as the first round of sponsoring organizations supporting the Japan Pavilion.200 Days Until Expo 2027 Belgrade Sharing Japan's Spirit of Playfulness with the World
On October 27, 2026, with 200 days remaining until the opening of Expo 2027 Belgrade, METI and JETRO held a press conference. Attendees included Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Japan, representatives of METI, and Commissioner of the Japanese Section, Expo 2027 Belgrade. The speakers presented an overview of Expo 2027 Belgrade, as well as the theme, exhibition plans, and upcoming initiatives for the Japan Pavilion.
Under the theme “Play and Connect, Together – The Playful Spirit of Japan,” the Japan Pavilion will offer immersive, interactive experiences that invite visitors to participate directly, blending traditional Japanese games and mechanical devices with next-generation technologies. The Pavilion will also host weekly special exhibitions presented by sponsoring companies and organizations, as well as the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), introducing Japanese traditions, culture, creative content, technology, and Japanese food.
Dragan Stojkovic (“Pixy”) Appointed as Promotional Ambassador for the Japan Pavilion
To help promote the Pavilion's theme, “Play and Connect, Together – The Playful Spirit of Japan,” the Japan Pavilion has appointed distinguished individuals who connect Japan with Serbia and the wider world through sports, music, and culture as Promotional Ambassadors. Following Kenichi Shimura, Sachiko Nakajima, MYAKU-MYAKU, and Hello Kitty, former Serbian football player and coach Dragan Stojkovic (“Pixy”) has been appointed as the latest Promotional Ambassador for the Japan Pavilion.
Widely respected and admired in both Japan and Serbia, Mr. Stojkovic has long been recognized as a symbol of friendship and exchange between the two countries. Through the power of sport, he will help promote the appeal of both the Japan Pavilion and Expo 2027 Belgrade in Japan and Serbia. To mark his appointment, Mr. Stojkovic provided a video message, which was presented during the press conference. The full message is reproduced below.
“KONNICHIWA MINASAN,PIXY-DESU,
It is a great honor for me to become an Ambassador for the Japan Pavilion at Expo 2027 Belgrade.
Japan holds a very special place in my heart. I spent some of the most important and beautiful years of my life there, first as a player and later as a coach. But what I remember most is not only football—it is the people, the friendships, the respect and the warmth that I experienced throughout those years.
Football starts with play. And for me, play has always been about bringing people together. That is why the theme of the Japan Pavilion, “Play and Connect, Together,” has a very natural connection to me. Different countries, different cultures, different languages — on the field, none of that matters. We play together. We connect.
I am especially proud that the Expo 2027 will bring Japan and Serbia even closer together, and I hope visitors to the Japan Pavilion will discover the creativity, culture and spirit of Japan that I came to know and love.
To all my friends and supporters in Japan: I look forward to welcoming you to Belgrade.
ARIGATOU GOZAIMASU. MATA AIMASHOU!
Thank you.“
- Profile: Dragan Stojkovic (“Pixy”)
- Dragan Stojkovic, widely known as “Pixy,” is one of Serbia's most celebrated football legends. After joining Nagoya Grampus Eight in 1994, he became one of the defining players of the early J.League era and later led the club to its first-ever J.League title as head coach in 2010. In 2015, he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette in recognition of his contributions to Japanese football and Japan-Serbia relations. As Head Coach of Serbia, he led the national team to the 2022 FIFA World Cup and UEFA EURO 2024. Building on his achievements and longstanding ties with both Japan and Serbia, he has been appointed as a Promotional Ambassador for the Japan Pavilion at Expo 2027 Belgrade.
About Sponsorship and Support for the Japan Pavilion First Round of Participating Organizations Announced
We are pleased to announce that the following organizations have agreed to support the Japan Pavilion at Expo 2027 Belgrade. By leveraging their respective strengths, including technology, expertise, networks, and creativity, these sponsors will contribute not only to enhancing the Pavilion's appeal and enriching the visitor experience, but also to working together to create opportunities for exchange among diverse communities and generate new forms of value. Sponsorship of the Japan Pavilion will also provide opportunities for participating organizations to build new networks, explore business opportunities, and expand into new markets.
In cooperation with relevant government ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), and the National Tax Agency (NTA), we will work together with sponsoring companies and organizations to create a Japan Pavilion that showcases the best of Japan to the world.
- Sponsors (First Round)
(The first group of sponsors includes:) - KAORUKO Inc.
- Q-STAR, Quantum STrategic Industry Alliance for Revolution
- KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
- JTB Corp.
- ZIZO Co.,Ltd.
- Studio Inc.
- TOMY Company, Ltd.
- TA FRONTIER CO., LTD.
- Dosanko Shimanchu Project
- TOYO TIRE Corporation
- MAXIM Co., Ltd
- Mitsubishi Corporation
- Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
- LIXIL Corporation
- Wide Leisure Co., Ltd.
- Special Cooperation
- Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF)
- National Tax Agency (NTA)
- Related Government Organizations
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
- Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) (Vice Coordinating Ministry)
Additional Information
- Reference Information
- Official Website (launched today)
- X（formerly Twitter）Japanese / English
- Instagram
- Expo 2027 Belgrade
- Japan Pavilion Basic Plan and Theme
No comments:
Post a Comment