As the countdown to the next A1 International Horticultural Exhibition continues, the Japan Association for the International Horticultural Expo 2027 is intensifying its domestic and international outreach to engage new audiences, build momentum, and enhance global visibility for the International Horticultural Expo 2027 Yokohama, Japan, branded as GREEN×EXPO 2027, which will take place from 19 March to 26 September 2027.
Celebrating Milestones and Mobilising Citizens
In June 2024, a major press conference marked 1,000 days until the opening of Expo 2027 Yokohama (GREENxEXPO 2027), unveiling key updates and introducing the name of the event’s official mascot, “Tunku Tunku.” The event was followed by a large-scale public programme in Yokohama, attracting approximately 30,000 participants with workshops, performances, and exhibitions celebrating flowers, greenery, and the power of the community.
This wave of public engagement continues in 2025 with the launch of the “Blooming RING Action,” a symbolic initiative inviting citizens around the world to show their support for the Expo by posing with a heart-shaped hand gesture—visibly expanding the ring of global participation. The campaign embodies the Expo’s message of inclusivity and connection, and is supported by Ms ASHIDA Mana, a renowned Japanese actress and singer, who was appointed as a goodwill ambassador for climate change by the United Nations Development Programme in March of this year. She now lends her ambassadorial voice to promoting GREENxEXPO 2027.
Growing Presence in National and International Forums
Promotional efforts have extended across Japan and abroad as the organisers continue to build the Expo’s profile through targeted participation in horticultural, environmental, and diplomatic events. Domestically, highlights include the National Urban Greening Kawasaki Fair, where the Expo featured a co-created monument with contributions from local students and renowned architect Kengo Kuma. Additionally, the Yokohama Flower and Garden Festival 2025 showcased GREENxEXPO 2027 branding prominently in workshops, merchandise, displays, and digital activations.
In the international arena, GREENxEXPO 2027 branding has been showcased at major forums, including the G7 Italian Agriculture Ministers Meeting and BIE capacity-building programmes, as well as through Japan’s diplomatic presence at the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting and the TICAD (Tokyo International Conference on African Development) Ministerial Meetings. These appearances are helping raise awareness of the Expo’s global mission and attract further international participation.
Expanding Dialogue Through Thought Leadership
The organisers are also shaping thought leadership around the core values of Expo 2027 Yokohama (GREENxEXPO 2027). In March 2025, the symposium “Humans, Nature, and Life” explored the relationship between humans and plants, with keynote speaker Mr IWATSUKI Kunio, recipient of the International Cosmos Prize, reflecting on “Why Flowers And Greenery Are Important”. This was followed in May by the Garden Forum “Why Are Japanese Gardens Global?”, which convened international experts to reflect on Japanese landscape traditions and their cultural relevance worldwide.
Further engagement is being led by Japan’s representative member of AIPH, the Japan Landscape Contractors Association (JLCA). At the 100th Anniversary Convention of the Japanese Institute of Landscape Architecture, JLCA hosted a forum on the future Expo 2027 Yokohama (GREENxEXPO 2027), helping to deepen the professional understanding of the AIPH Expo programme and its importance to global horticultural development.
On the Road to IHC2026 and Beyond
Looking ahead, GREENxEXPO 2027 branding will be promoted at the International Horticultural Congress (IHC2026) in Kyoto, where the Japan Association for the International Horticultural Expo 2027 will sponsor a dedicated award in the IHC Young Researchers Competition, strengthening the future Expo’s profile within scientific and professional horticultural communities.
Through this expanding network of events, campaigns, and forums, Expo 2027 Yokohama (GREENxEXPO 2027) is steadily emerging not only as a major international exhibition but as a unifying platform for dialogue, learning, and celebration across the global horticultural community.
The Japan Association for the International Horticultural Expo 2027 will present its progress report for Expo 2027 Yokohama (GREENxEXPO 2027) at the 77th AIPH Annual Congress in Belgium in September, where members and stakeholders will receive further updates on participation, partnerships, and preparations.
For more information about Expo 2027 Yokohama (GREENxEXPO 2027) promotions, visit www.expo2027yokohama.or.jp
