Iceland will mark its National Day at Expo 2025 in Osaka on 29 May under the theme Peace and Equality. The day will feature a vibrant programme celebrating Icelandic music and culture, with special guest President Halla Tómasdóttir in attendance.

Music takes centre stage with performances by JFDR, Ásgeir, and Gabríel Ólafs. The day also features a soundscape by Sindri Már Sigfússon (Sin Fang) and Kjartan Hólm, created as part of the Circle of Trust installation in the Nordic pavilion – a collaboration between leading Nordic design and architecture studios.

The Icelandic programme also spans literature and design. Author Rán Flygenring will present the Japanese edition of Vigdís, the story of the world’s first elected female president, while design duo Flétta and textile artist Ýrúrarí will invite guests to explore an imaginative project turning wool leftovers into pizzas.

Taste of Iceland in Tokyo – 30–31 May
Alongside the Expo, the Taste of Iceland festival takes place in Tokyo on 30–31 May. Organised in collaboration with major Japanese arts and culture institutions, the programme includes design, literature, visual art, and music. JFDR and Ásgeir will perform at Space Odd in Shibuya as part of the celebrations.

Expo 2025 Osaka
The World Expo in Osaka opened in April and has already welcomed around 250,000 visitors to the Nordic pavilion. Over six months, the pavilion hosts a range of Nordic-themed events highlighting green innovation, wellbeing, circular design, and shared values between the Nordics and Japan.

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