Qatar has become the first international participant to formally confirm its involvement in the International Horticultural Expo 2027, Yokohama, Japan—branded to the public as GREEN×EXPO 2027. The signing of the participation agreement on 13 May 2025 marked a pivotal step in the global build-up to the next A1 International Horticultural Exhibition.
Scheduled to take place from 19 March to 26 September 2027, Expo 2027 Yokohama (GREENxEXPO 2027) will be held under the central theme, “Scenery of the Future for Happiness”. With a strong focus on nature-based solutions and circular economy principles, the Expo seeks to inspire practical and hopeful ways of living within planetary boundaries. This overarching mission is expressed through four interconnected sub-themes:
- Co-adaptation – Harmony with nature
- Co-existence – Co-existence living through greenery and agriculture
- Co-creation – Creation of new industries
- Co-operation – Resolution through co-operation
Together, these principles will be embedded into the site design, exhibitions, and programming.
Qatar’s official signing of participation in Expo 2027 Yokohama (GREENxEXPO 2027) took place at the Sanbancho Kyoyo Kaigisho, the external meeting hall owned by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) in Tokyo. It was attended by H.E. Ambassador Jaber Jaralla M. A. Al-Marri, Commissioner of the Section for the State of Qatar; Mr KOMURA Masato, Secretary General of the Japan Association for the International Horticultural Expo 2027, Yokohama; and Ambassador KOSHIKAWA Kazuhiko, Commissioner of Expo 2027 Yokohama (GREENxEXPO 2027). Their shared commitment to international cooperation through horticulture was evident throughout the ceremony.
“It is very symbolic that the State of Qatar is the first country to sign the contract,” said Mr KOMURA. “We have studied various aspects of Expo 2023 Doha, Qatar, from organisation and ceremony to broad theme-setting focused on environmental issues and agriculture. I am confident that the Qatari Exhibition will be emblematic, passing the baton from Doha to Yokohama.”
Ambassador Al-Marri commented: “Qatar is honoured to be the first country to sign a participation contract for the International Horticultural Expo 2027 in Yokohama, reaffirming its strong commitment to sustainability, innovation, and cultural exchange. This participation reflects Qatar’s dedication to sharing its experiences, fostering global partnerships, and contributing to a brighter, more hopeful future for all.”
While Qatar’s hosting of Expo 2023 Doha—under the theme Green Desert, Better Environment—set a high bar for innovation and international engagement, its early commitment to Expo 2027 Yokohama (GREENxEXPO 2027) signals a continuity of purpose between host nations. That legacy was formally acknowledged at the Doha closing ceremony, where the AIPH flag was handed over to Japan, the next host country.
Commenting on the announcement, AIPH Secretary General Tim Briercliffe said: “In previous Expos, the participation from Qatar has always been of very high quality. Visitors can expect a cultural experience and innovative thinking from a country that is seriously committed to a sustainable future for horticulture.”
Since the appointment of Ambassador KOSHIKAWA Kazuhiko as Commissioner of the Exhibition in April 2024, more than 30 countries have already expressed formal intent to participate in Expo 2027 Yokohama (GREENxEXPO 2027). Qatar’s early commitment signals growing momentum behind the Expo’s vision of a greener, more harmonious future shaped through international horticultural collaboration.
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 the International Horticulture Expo 2027 Yokohama, Japan, (GREENxEXPO 2027) visit www.expo2027yokohama.or.jp
