site.btaBulgarian Pavilion at EXPO 2025 Merges Tradition with Modernity, Japanese Studies Student Petkova Says

The Bulgarian pavilion at EXPO 2025 blends tradition with modernity, also a fundamental aspect of Japanese culture that the Japanese appreciate and respect, said Desislava Petkova, a student in Japanese Studies and a representative at Bulgaria's pavilion at the World Expo in Osaka, Japan, on Tuesday.

“The opportunity to be at EXPO 2025 in Osaka as a Japanese Studies student, representing Bulgaria, is a unique experience for me. EXPO 2025 is an extremely important event. It can be compared to the ‘Olympic Games’ of world exhibitions,” Petkova said. 

Petkova is a master’s student in Japanese Studies: Society and Culture at Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, and her interest in Japanese culture started years ago. “I enrolled in Japanese Studies because I have had a deep interest in Japanese culture since I was young. It all began with their pop culture. I decided to turn that from a hobby and interest into a professional career,” she said.

“The EXPO holds significant importance for both Bulgaria and Japan, strengthening the relationship between the two nations. At the 1970 edition, Bulgaria introduced its renowned elixir—Bulgarian yogurt—captivating not only the general Japanese public but also the Emperor [of Japan] himself. Now, 55 years later, we have the opportunity to present Bulgarian yogurt from a fresh perspective, through our mascot, Lacto-chan. This character delights visitors and represents the Bulgarian bacterium Lactobacillus bulgaricus, named after our country. The Japanese are thrilled with both the Bulgarian pavilion and Lacto-chan. A group of children enthusiastically shouted "Burugaria Yogurto," which brought us great joy,” Petkova said.

Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev, Bulgarian Ambassador to Japan Marieta Arabadjieva, Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency Executive Director Boyko Takov, Director of the Bulgarian pavilion Georgi Kostov, Honorary Consul for Bulgaria for Osaka Yuzuru Hirano, and architect Hiroto Kobayashi, who designed Bulgaria’s pavilion, were among those present at the opening of the Bulgarian pavilion.

The Bulgarian pavilion at EXPO 2025 opened on Sunday. More than 160 countries and organizations are taking part in the international exhibition, with some 28 million visitors expected. It will run until October 13.