The International Horticultural Expo 2027 Yokohama, Japan, an A1 International Horticultural Exhibition approved by AIPH, continues to make strong progress ahead of its opening on 19 March 2027.
From 20–22 August 2025, the Japan Association for the International Horticultural Expo 2027 (GREEN×EXPO Association) participated in the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), held at Pacifico Yokohama. This high-level international forum, led by the Government of Japan, brought together African leaders, Japanese officials, and development partners.
Against this backdrop, the Association advanced preparations and strengthened relationships with African countries set to participate in Expo 2027 Yokohama (GREEN×EXPO 2027).
During TICAD9, Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, Malawi, and Mozambique formalised their participation by signing official agreements with the Association. On the Japanese side, the agreements were co-signed by KOMURA Masato, Secretary General of the GREEN×EXPO Association, and KOSHIKAWA Kazuhiko, Government Commissioner for the 2027 International Horticultural Exposition, together with Government Commissioners representing each of the four African countries.
These agreements represent an important step in translating political commitment into concrete preparations for national displays. The Kenyan delegation also conducted a site visit to Kamiseya in Yokohama, the designated host area for Expo 2027 Yokohama (GREEN×EXPO 2027), as part of early planning. To date, 30 African countries have announced their intention to participate in Expo 2027 Yokohama (GREEN×EXPO 2027).
In addition to these formal agreements, the Association held a bilateral meeting with the Director-General of the Kenyan Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Bruno Linyiru, which included a symbolic Blooming RING Action. This meeting further underlined the shared commitment to cooperation in preparing for Expo 2027 Yokohama (GREEN×EXPO 2027).
The Association also used TICAD9 as an opportunity to invite further participation and raise awareness of the 2027 event. Activities included a promotional booth at the Welcome Reception co-hosted by ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan, and YAMANAKA Takeharu, Mayor of Yokohama, participation in the TICAD Business Expo & Conference organised by JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), and a presentation at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ themed event, “Agri-Innovation Day – Co-Creating a Sustainable Tomorrow: Innovative and Productive Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Together with Africa.”
The presentation highlighted how TICAD and Expo 2027 Yokohama (GREEN×EXPO 2027) share a common approach to addressing global issues and achieving sustainable development, working alongside African countries to transform awareness and behaviour toward a greener future. The Expo’s official mascot, Tunku Tunku, made its debut at the TICAD9 Welcome Reception, drawing attention and helping to build momentum for Expo 2027 Yokohama (GREEN×EXPO 2027).
As the global body responsible for approving A1 International Horticultural Exhibitions, AIPH welcomes the continued progress of Expo 2027 Yokohama (GREEN×EXPO 2027) and the strong commitment already being shown by participating nations. The Expo will take place across approximately 100 hectares in Yokohama, under the theme “Scenery of the Future for Happiness”, and is expected to attract 15 million visitors, including more than 10 million paying attendees.
The Japan Association for the International Horticultural Expo 2027 will present a full progress report on Expo 2027 Yokohama (GREEN×EXPO 2027) at the International Horticultural Expo Conference during the 77th AIPH Annual Congress in Ghent, Belgium, on 15th September.
For more information, visit expo2027yokohama.or.jp/
