Stojkovic Named Japan Pavilion PR Ambassador; First Sponsors Announced
Overview
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and JETRO held a press conference 200 days before the opening of Expo 2027 Belgrade, announcing Dragan Stojkovic Pixie as Japan Pavilion PR Ambassador and the first group of sponsors. Under the theme “Play Together, Connect: Japan’s Playful Spirit,” the pavilion will feature interactive exhibits and rotating weekly special displays.
Key points
- Dragan Stojkovic Pixie was named PR Ambassador for the Japan Pavilion.
- The first group of 15 companies and organizations was selected to sponsor the Japan Pavilion.
- Interactive exhibits will combine traditional Japanese games and mechanical ingenuity with next-generation technology.
Overview
Expo 2027 Belgrade, a BIE-recognized exposition, will be held in Belgrade, Republic of Serbia, from May 15 to August 15, 2027. Its theme is “Play of Humanity: Sport and Music for All.”
The Japanese government will participate officially, with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as coordinating ministry, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology as deputy coordinating ministry, and JETRO as the participating organization. The Japan Pavilion is positioned as a place to carry forward and develop the themes and concepts of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai as a legacy.
Impact
The pavilion aims to use sponsors’ and partner organizations’ technology, expertise, networks, and creativity to promote the pavilion, enhance visitor experiences, encourage interaction among diverse people, and create a place for generating new value. Participation in the pavilion is also intended to build new networks and promote business opportunities and market development.
Details
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and JETRO held a press conference on October 27, 2026, 200 days before the opening, and announced the exposition’s outline, the Japan Pavilion’s theme and exhibits, and future plans.
In addition to exhibits visitors can experience and participate in, the Japan Pavilion will host weekly special displays by sponsors, partner organizations, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, introducing Japanese traditions, culture, content, technology, and food.
This is the third ambassador appointment. Through sports, Pixie will promote the appeal of the Japan Pavilion and the exposition in Japan and Serbia. His profile highlighted his joining Nagoya Grampus Eight in 1994, leading the club to its first J.League championship as manager in 2010, and receiving the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, in 2015.
Sponsors and partner organizations, listed in Japanese syllabary order, are KAORUKO Co., Ltd.; Q-STAR; Kyocera Document Solutions Co., Ltd.; JTB Corp.; ZIZO Co., Ltd.; Studio Co., Ltd.; Takara Tomy Co., Ltd.; TA Frontier Co., Ltd.; Dosanko Shimanchu Project Secretariat; TOYO TIRE Corporation; Maxin Co., Ltd.; Mitsubishi Corporation; Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.; LIXIL Corporation; and Wide Leisure Co., Ltd. Special cooperation is provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the National Tax Agency.