Members of the Kansai Consular Corps gathered for the "Expo Review" event at Australian Pavillion kindly hosted by the Australian Consulate-General. Participants shared valuable insights and reflections on the six-month journey of Expo 2025, and discussed how we can carry its spirit forward as a lasting legacy.

Expo 2025 has been a remarkable platform connecting people from all over the world and opening new doors for global collaboration and business opportunities. Over the past six months, the world came together under the Grand Roof Ring in Osaka, Kansai – showcasing the diversity, innovation, and culture of nations across the globe.

Having the Expo held here in Osaka, Kansai, and being part of this historic moment, is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all of us.

We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Comissioner Genral for Australia Expo and 2025,Consul-General of Australia, and the team for their warm hospitality and generous support in hosting this event.

Thank you, Expo Osaka, Kansai 2025 – and thank you, Myaku-Myaku!

オーストラリア総領館主催で「万博レビュー」イベントがオーストラリアパビリオンにて開催されました。この6か月間の万博の歩みを振り返りながら、得られた知見や学び、そしてこの経験を今後どのようにレガシーとして活かしていけるかを共有しました。

万博は、世界中の人々をつなぎ、新たなビジネスチャンスを生み出す場でもありました。大阪・関西の大屋根リングの下で、各国の多彩なプレゼンテーションやショーケースが披露され、まさに「世界がここに集まる」瞬間を目の当たりにしました。

この大阪・関西で万博が開催されたこと、そしてその歴史的な瞬間にこの地にいられたことは、私たちにとってまさに "once in a lifetime event(人生で一度の経験)" となるでしょう。

あわせて、このイベントを主催いただいたオーストラリア政府代表、オーストラリア総領事、そしてチームの皆様に、心より感謝申し上げます。

大阪・関西万博2025に感謝!ミャクミャク Thank you!

7月26日、万博の祭りアリーナにて「盆踊りギネス挑戦」が開催されました。
このイベントは、盆踊りの「最多人数参加」と「最多国籍参加」に挑戦するもので、関西領事団からは11か国・35名が参加しました!

李団長(駐神戸大韓民国総領事)をはじめ、各国の総領事も参加され、見事ギネス世界記録を達成しました。
達成には「振り付けを間違えずに踊ること」が条件であったため、参加者は事前に熱心に練習を重ね、当日を迎えました。

万博でこのようなイベントが開催され、多くの国々の皆様が日本文化である盆踊りに挑戦したことは、まさに万博の醍醐味ではないでしょうか。
参加された皆様、本当におめでとうございます!暑い中お疲れさまでした。

On July 26, the Bon Odori Guinness World Record Challenge took place at the Matsuri Arena of Expo 2025.
This unique event aimed to break the records for "the largest number of participants in Bon Odori" and "the most nationalities participating." From the Kansai Consular Corps, 35 members representing 11 countries took part in the challenge.

Led by KCC Dean Mr. Lee (Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Kobe), Consuls General from various countries joined the dance, and together they successfully achieved the Guinness World Record!
To qualify, participants had to perform the dance without mistakes, so everyone practiced diligently beforehand to prepare for the big day.

Hosting such an event at Expo, where people from many nations come together to experience and celebrate Japanese culture through Bon Odori, truly represents the very spirit of the Expo.
Congratulations to all participants on this remarkable achievement!

In July 2025, we had the opportunity to visit the Kyoto State Guest House.
The architecture—featuring traditional sukiya style and exquisite craftsmanship—embodied the essence of Japanese beauty and hospitality, with every detail reflecting the highest standards of artistry and design.

As part of the cultural experience, we enjoyed a traditional Japanese dance performance by a Maiko, which gave us a profound appreciation of Japan’s rich performing arts.

It was a memorable and elegant experience in one of the most refined spaces in Japan.

We warmly encourage everyone to visit the Kyoto State Guest House and hope that today’s visit will inspire more dignitaries from around the world to experience the elegance and cultural richness of this remarkable venue.

Fujinoma

Feeding the Koi

Remarks by Consul-General Lee, Dean of the Kansai Consular Corps

The Kansai Consular Corps (KCC) successfully held its Annual General Meeting with the participation of 50 members.

We are pleased to announce the appointment of the new KCC Board as follows:

• Dean: Mr. Sangryol Lee, Consul-General of the Republic of Korea in Kobe
• Vice-Dean: Dr. Kazusue Konoike, Honorary Consul of Tanzania in Osaka
• Managing Director: Mr. Kunio Imanishi, Honorary Consul of Nepal in Osaka
• Auditor: Mr. Hidetaka Yoshikawa, Honorary Consul of Chile in Osaka
• Board Member: Dr. Felix Moesner, Head of the Consulate of Switzerland in Osaka
• Board Member: Ms. Margaret Bowen, Consul-General of Australia in Osaka

We were also honored to welcome Ambassador Yasushi Misawa, Representative of the Government of Japan and Ambassador in charge of Kansai at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who delivered opening remarks.

Thanks to the support of all members, the Annual General Meeting was successfully concluded. We sincerely appreciate your cooperation and participation.

関西領事団(KCC)は、50名のメンバーが出席する中、2025年の年次総会を無事開催いたしました。

このたび、以下のとおり新たな理事会が発足いたしましたので、ご報告申し上げます。

• 団長(Dean):李 相烈 氏(在神戸大韓民国総領事)
• 副団長(Vice-Dean):鴻池 一季 氏(在大阪タンザニア名誉領事)
• 専務理事(Managing Director):今西 邦夫 氏(在大阪ネパール名誉総領事)
• 監査(Auditor):吉川 秀隆 氏(在大阪チリ名誉領事)
• 理事(Board Member):フェリックス・メスナー氏(在大阪スイス領事館)
• 理事(Board Member):マーガレット・ボーエン氏(在大阪オーストラリア総領事)

また、当日はご来賓として、政府代表/関西担当大使 外務省 三澤 康 大使にもご臨席いただき、ご挨拶を賜りました。皆様のおかげをもちまして、年次総会を滞りなく無事に終了することができました。心より感謝申し上げます。

The 17th Kansai Consular Forum, hosted by METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry), was held with the participation of consuls general and consuls from 21 countries.

Following presentations by METI and the Expo 2025 Association, updates were shared on the progress, events, and themes of various national pavilions.

With just one month to go until the grand opening, participating countries are now in the final stages of preparation.

Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, set to open on April 13, will offer countless business opportunities and networking possibilities—get ready!

On January 24, the Kyoto Tech Tour, hosted by the City of Kyoto, took place at ACT Kyoto.

A total of 20 participants attended, starting with presentations by Kyoto-based startup companies, followed by a poster session and networking opportunities between the companies and consuls.

During Expo 2025, many delegations from around the world are expected to visit Japan, bringing new business opportunities. In anticipation of this, the City of Kyoto organized this tech tour for consuls and honorary consuls to explore Kyoto’s innovation ecosystem.

We were also honored to receive remarks from the Mayor of Kyoto. Thank you for this incredible opportunity!

A discussion meeting was held between the Governor of Osaka Prefecture, the Mayor of Osaka City, and consulates in the Kansai region on17 Jan 2025.

The main topic of interest was the Expo 2025, which is now just three months away. Discussions covered logistics, events, and the Expo’s legacy. The Osaka Prefectural and City governments shared their perspectives on how to ensure that the Expo is not just a one-time event but a lasting legacy, and what initiatives are being implemented to achieve this.

Additionally, it was officially announced that Ms. Carolyn Davidson , who has served as the Dean of the Kansai Consular Corps since June 2023, will step down from her role as British Consul-General to focus on position as the UK Government Commisioner General for Expo 2025.

With this transition, it was also announced that Consul-General Lee Sangyol of the Consul-General of Korea in Kobe will assume the role of Acting Dean as of this day. While the official appointment will take place at the annual general meeting in May, he has already taken on the responsibilities as Acting Dean.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Dean Carolyn Davidson for her contributions and warmly congratulate the new Dean on his appointment.

1月17日、大阪府知事と大阪市長、そして関西の総領事館との意見交換会が行われました。

最も関心が高い、開幕まで3か月とせまった万博について、ロジ面、イベント、そして万博レガシーについて意見交換がされました。万博を一過性のものにせず、レガシーとして生き続けるためにどのような取り組みがされているか、どう取り組むか、大阪府市の見解も話されました。

また、2023年6月から関西領事団の団長を務めてこられた英国総領事キャロリン・デービッドソン氏が、英国万博政府代表に専任されるため総領事を退任し、団長を退くことが正式に発表されました。

これに伴い、在神戸韓国総領事の李相烈氏が新たに団長代理として就任することも発表されました。正式な任命は5月の年次総会にて行われますが、団長代理としての役割を担われることとなりました。

キャロリン・デービッドソン団長のこれまでの貢献に深く感謝申し上げるとともに、新団長の就任を心よりお祝い申し上げます。

The Kansai Consular Corps recently had the pleasure of participating in the KCC Sake Brewery Tour in Wakayama on Friday, 29th November 2024. This special event, sponsored by the Osaka Tax Bureau, aimed to promote Japanese sake to the world and support the growth of its export market.

During the tour, we:

• Observed the intricate process of sake production.
• Experienced the art of plum wine making and enjoyed sake tasting, showcasing Wakayama’s position as Japan’s largest producer of Japanese plums (ume).
• Made a courtesy visit to Wakayama City Hall, where we had the honor of meeting the Vice-Mayor and learning about Wakayama’s key industries.

This tour was an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow members of the Kansai Consular Corps and to experience Wakayama’s rich culture and industry. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Osaka Tax Bureau and Wakayama Prefecture for organizing this meaningful and enriching event.

We recently had the opportunity to embark on a one-day tour to Shizuoka, packed with exciting experiences and cultural insights. Here’s a quick recap of our schedule:

-Visited the Tea Museum, SHIZUOKA, to explore the rich history and culture of tea.

-Participated in a fascinating factory tour of Meiji Co., Ltd.

-Made a courtesy visit to Shizuoka Prefecture Governor Yasutomo Suzuki.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Shizuoka Prefecture for organizing this wonderful tour! It was a memorable and enriching experience, highlighting the beauty, culture, and innovation of Shizuoka. Thank you for your warm hospitality and support!

An international exchange education session was held with participation from several KCC members, including the Honorary Consulates of Latvia, Mexico, Slovakia, Tanzania, and Tunisia.

I attended the session hosted by Mr. Konoike, Vice Dean of KCC and Honorary Consul of Tanzania. This session was designed for junior high school students to deepen their understanding of Tanzania. It was an engaging and insightful experience, offering students the opportunity to learn more about Tanzania’s rich culture and history.

We hope this session inspired students to develop an interest in countries beyond Japan.

Thank you so much for your cooperation and support despite your busy schedules!