Scenes from the day....laughter, joy, and tears. Expo 2025 Osaka is over! Over the past month, since it ended (after I stopped crying), I’ve been reflecting on what this extraordinary global gathering revealed: that connection, communication, and collaboration remain our most powerful innovations. Expo created thousands of “ micro-moments of cultural diplomacy,” - small human gestures that ripple out and create broader understanding and large-scale dialogue, reminding us th

Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit my alma mater, Kansai Gaidai University (KGU)  — the place where my Japan life began. Although the original campus I attended, near Keihan Makino Station, is no longer there, the beautiful Hirakata City campus  is truly a sight to see. My sincere thanks to Dean of the Asian Studies Program and Professor, Stephen Zurcher , as well as to Director Reiko Hiromoto  and Naomi Nakawa of the Center for International Education , for

WAKAYAMA Prefecture Zone @ KANSAI PAVILION The Kansai Pavilion at Expo showcased the diverse richness of the Kansai region — the prefectures of Shiga, Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara, Wakayama, Tottori, Tokushima, Fukui, and Mie — each presenting its unique blend of history, culture, creativity, charm, and attractions. Wakayama Prefecture - Part 1 Among them, the Wakayama zone  was a deeply moving highlight. I was privileged to experience it firsthand, guided by the warm and generous sp