Ireland at Expo 2025, Osaka

Ireland’s participation in Expo 2025, Osaka, is the cornerstone for a year of activities between Ireland and Japan that recognise and support the cultural, economic and political relationship between both countries and the opening of a newly designed Ireland House (Embassy) in Tokyo. 

In approaching the commission from the Department of Foreign Affairs to develop an identity for Ireland at Expo 2025, we considered it within the broader Ireland-Japan relationship. This consideration brought us to a simple solution built around two circular forms: an organic circle and a solid symmetrical dot, both carrying traditional and contemporary resonance for Irish and Japanese cultures. The unifying element is the gold organic circle inspired by calligraphy and Magnus Rinn, a work by Irish artist Joseph Walsh to be featured at Expo 2025. By alternating between the use of a green dot for Ireland at the Expo and a red dot for wider collaborations between Ireland and Japan, we established two identities in one that unified and clarified the activities in Japan and Ireland.

We also created a range of photographic and illustrative assets to expand the aesthetic and suggest the tone and character of the pavilion experience and the programme themes.