Osaka, Japan – June 30, 2025 — The Embassy of Nepal in Tokyo and the Nepal Tourism Board successfully hosted a high-profile tourism promotional event in Osaka under the theme “Nepal: A Land of Unique Nature and Diverse Culture.” Held at the Abeno Citizens Learning Center, the event drew a full house of distinguished guests, cultural enthusiasts, and members of both the Japanese and Nepali communities.
This celebration of cultural diplomacy comes at a pivotal time as Nepal prepares for its participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, where it will showcase its identity through a dedicated national pavilion.
Ambassador Subedi Highlights Historic Ties and Future Vision
The event was graced by His Excellency Dr. Durga Bahadur Subedi, Ambassador of Nepal to Japan, who served as the chief guest and delivered the keynote address. He underscored the historic, spiritual, and people-to-people connections between Nepal and Japan — referencing the iconic Himalayan expeditions of Japanese climber Toshio Imanishi as a shared cultural legacy.
The ambassador also announced the recent raising of the Nepali flag at the Expo 2025 site, adding that Nepal’s pavilion will officially open in the coming weeks. He highlighted the importance of this pavilion in promoting Nepal’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and tourism potential to a global audience.
Guest Remarks by Narayan Basyal From Nepal, Mr. Narayan Basyal, Senior Officer – Corporate Services, also addressed the audience. He highlighted Nepal’s rich and diverse tourism potential, introducing key destinations and sectors ranging from the Himalayas to cultural heritage sites. His remarks emphasized sustainable development and the importance of deepening Nepal–Japan tourism collaboration.Guests and Institutional Support
Among the esteemed guests was a representative from the House of Representatives in Hiroshima, who expressed admiration for Nepal and encouraged more cultural collaboration between Hiroshima, Osaka, and the Nepali community. Officials from the Nepal Tourism Board also attended, reinforcing Nepal’s commitment to tourism diplomacy and international partnership.
Storytelling Through Images: Life in Dolpo
A moving segment of the program featured the story of a Japanese explorer who has continued to journey to Dolpo, a remote Tibetan cultural region in northwestern Nepal, despite battling a severe autoimmune condition. As a recipient of the Naomi Uemura Adventure Award, she shared her powerful photographic work — captured in her first full-color photo book — showcasing the high-altitude life, spiritual traditions, and harmony between humans and animals in the Himalayan wilderness.
The audience was deeply inspired by her story of perseverance and passion, as well as the awe-inspiring mountain climbing photographs and personal experiences that illustrated Nepal’s unmatched natural grandeur and cultural depth.
Musical Performance by Ananda Karki
A highlight of the evening was a special musical performance by renowned Nepali singer Ananda Karki, whose soulful renditions of classic Nepali songs deeply resonated with the audience. Ambassador Subedi praised him as “a cultural torchbearer who passes on the soul of Nepali music and identity to the next generation of Non-Resident Nepalis.”
The program was skillfully emceed by Mr. Jigyan Kumar Thapa, who played a pivotal role in guiding the event and facilitating live translation. His cultural insight and bilingual delivery ensured an inclusive, well-orchestrated experience for both Japanese and Nepali attendees.
Dance and Cultural Advocacy by Yuko Okamoto
Adding to the evening’s vibrancy, Ms. Yuko Okamoto performed a traditional Nepali dance that was met with heartfelt applause. Actively engaged in promoting Nepali language and culture in Japan, she has become a cherished figure in Nepal–Japan friendship initiatives through her continued cultural advocacy.
Showcasing the Spirit of Nepal
The event also included:
- Traditional Nepali folk dances
- Live basuri (bamboo flute) performances
- A photo exhibition featuring stunning images of Nepal, including a dedicated section on the Living Goddess Kumari, which sparked admiration and curiosity among Japanese attendees.
A Strong Message of Cultural Diplomacy
With an engaging blend of music, storytelling, visual arts, and institutional collaboration, the event successfully promoted Nepal as more than just a travel destination. It stood as a powerful expression of shared values, enduring friendship, and the spirit of cultural exchange. As Expo 2025 Osaka approaches, Nepal’s presence in Japan continues to grow — and this evening in Osaka was a shining example of what cultural diplomacy can achieve.
