DAVAO City is set to conduct a special visit to its three Japan sister-cities on April 13, 2025, in line with the city’s participation in the 2025 World Osaka Exposition, which will be held at Yumeshima Island in Konohana-ku, Osaka, Japan.
The theme of the expo, "Designing the Society of the Future and Imagining Our Life of Tomorrow," emphasizes innovation, progress, and collaboration.
The visit aims to strengthen diplomatic ties between Davao and Japan, while exploring opportunities for investment and economic collaboration.
Christian Cambaya, head of the Investor Assistance and Servicing Unit at the Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC), shared insights during the Business Forum at Hukad, Ayala Abreeza Malls, on March 7. He noted that the timing of the visit is significant as Davao City prepares to represent the Philippines at this highly anticipated international event.
"We are in the planning stages for a tourism roadshow in Japan, and the Philippines will have its own pavilion at the event. The Department of Tourism-Davao Region is expected to participate as well. We also plan to engage with and visit the three sister cities in Japan," Cambaya explained, adding that the innovative exhibitions provide a global stage for cities like Davao to showcase their unique culture, innovations, and business potential.
In a separate discussion, Cambaya also revealed that Japan has officially expressed interest in launching a direct flight between Davao and Japan.
Major airline companies such as Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines are expected to lead this new service. This initiative was first announced by Ishikawa Yoshihisa, Japan’s Consul General in Davao, during the celebration of Emperor Naruhito’s 65th birthday on February 13.
While no specific timeline has been set for the launch of the direct flight, Cambaya highlighted that the plans for improved air connectivity are well underway. The new service is intended to enhance "diplomatic and economic relations" between the two regions, providing increased convenience for both business and leisure travelers.
This new route will also open up opportunities for trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between Davao and Japan.
Davao City currently has three sister cities in Japan: Kitakyushu City, Sennan City, and Hamamatsu City. These sister-city agreements cover a wide range of cooperation, including education, manufacturing, and tourism, further strengthening the relationship between Davao and Japan.
The Osaka Expo 2025 will run from April 13 to October 13, 2025, and is sanctioned by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE). It will be the second time Osaka hosts a World Expo, having previously done so in 1970.
The event is expected to attract around 28 million visitors, and following the delay of the 2020 Expo to 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2025 edition will return to the traditional five-year cycle. DEF