When the world gathers for Expo 2025 in Osaka-Kansai, Japan will showcase not only cutting-edge technology and ideas for the future, but also the creativity and resilience of its people. One of the most exciting cultural programs will be the “Here I Am, (and) Where Are You… International Festival of Culture and Arts by Persons with Disabilities”, held from October 8–11, 2025, inside the Expo grounds.
This four-day festival is more than an event — it is a statement. It demonstrates that art and travel can be truly universal, accessible to everyone, and powerful enough to connect across borders.
Why This Festival Matters
For years, the National Federation of Families with People with Intellectual Disabilities (Zen-iku) has worked to ensure that persons with disabilities in Japan have the chance to participate in cultural and artistic life. From 2020 to 2022, their national co-creation project gave disabled artists opportunities to perform and create. Now, with the Expo as a global stage, the movement is reaching an international audience.
The festival is also part of a broader initiative called the Universal Tourism in Culture and Arts Project. Its goal is simple yet ambitious: to make culture and travel experiences accessible “anytime, anywhere, for anyone.” Visitors will not only enjoy performances in Osaka but also be encouraged to explore regional Japan, discovering local traditions and deep cultural roots. A special program will also support reconstruction in the Hokuriku region following the devastating Noto Peninsula Earthquake.
Festival Highlights
The program blends tradition, innovation, and inclusion in powerful ways. Highlights include:
- Japanese Heritage “Iwami Kagura” Performance (Oct 8): A dazzling traditional dance, performed by people with disabilities from Shimane Prefecture, proving that cultural heritage belongs to everyone.
- Condors × Handles Dance Collaboration (Oct 9): A bold fusion between professional dancers and a disability performance troupe, breaking barriers through movement.
- DJ OSSHY’s Inclusive Disco (Oct 10): A high-energy dance floor where wheelchair users, dancers, music, and fashion meet. Everyone is the star of this universal celebration.
Beyond performances, the festival offers interactive experiences at Gallery WEST:
- Exhibition “Avant-Garde, So What?” curated by Heralbony’s Hiromi Kurosawa, showcasing disability arts and inclusive design.
- Inclusive Market: Accessible goods and artist catalogues for visitors to purchase and take home.
- Food Court with a Difference: Kitchen trucks featuring food produced and served with the participation of people with disabilities, highlighting food as another form of artistic expression.
Designing a Future Society
Expo 2025 carries the theme of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” and this festival embodies that vision. Celebrating the presence, artistry, and voices of people with disabilities, it pushes society closer to one of genuine inclusion.
For international visitors, it is also an opportunity to see Japan’s accessibility efforts firsthand — not just in performance halls, but in everyday travel, culture, and food.
Practical Information
- Dates: October 8 (Wed) – October 11 (Sat), 2025
- Venues: Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai site — EXPO Hall “Shine Hat” & Gallery WEST
- Organizers: National Federation of Families with People with Intellectual Disabilities (Zen-iku), Japan Arts Council, Agency for Cultural Affairs
- More Information: Expo 2025 Official Website (general details about the Expo)
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
If you are planning a trip to Japan during Expo 2025, make space in your schedule for this festival. It is not only about enjoying breathtaking performances; it is about witnessing the future of accessibility, where creativity and inclusion go hand in hand.
For many, this will be one of the defining cultural moments of the Expo — a chance to see how Japan and the world can design societies where everyone’s expression matters.
Responses