by InTrieste
Friuli Venezia Giulia is on a mission to strengthen ties with Japan, marking a new chapter in its international outreach. Governor Massimiliano Fedriga, accompanied by Regional Councilor for Productive Activities and Tourism Sergio Emidio Bini, is currently in Japan for a four-day visit that includes stops in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. The delegation’s visit comes as preparations ramp up for the Osaka Expo 2025, with Friuli Venezia Giulia looking to position itself as a key European partner for Japan.
On Tuesday, the delegation met with Susumu Kataoka, President of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), at the organization’s Tokyo headquarters. Discussions centered on fostering economic partnerships and promoting Friuli Venezia Giulia’s strategic assets, including its logistics hubs, innovation-driven economy, and geographic location as a gateway to Central and Balkan Europe.
“Japan is a priority partner not only economically but also diplomatically,” said Governor Fedriga. “In a world of shifting supply chains and geopolitical instability, Friuli Venezia Giulia offers unique advantages that we are eager to share with our Japanese counterparts.”
Strengthening Economic Ties
The governor’s visit underscores the region’s ambition to deepen its engagement with Japan across multiple sectors. On Wednesday, the delegation traveled to Kyoto for a summit with Vice Governor Kazuya Suzuki, and on Thursday, they will inspect the Italian Pavilion at the Osaka Expo site alongside Mario Vattani, Commissioner General of the pavilion. Meetings with senior officials, including Tokyo Metropolitan Vice Governor Akiko Matsumoto and Deputy Minister of Education Yano Kazuhiko, are scheduled for Friday.
“This mission is about building trust and showcasing what makes Friuli Venezia Giulia unique,” said Fedriga. “From our port infrastructure to our expertise in research and innovation, we have much to offer as a reliable and forward-looking partner.”
Showcasing Italian Excellence
Cultural and culinary diplomacy also play a central role in the visit. On Tuesday, the delegation attended a reception hosted by Italian Ambassador Gianluigi Benedetti at his Tokyo residence, where regional wines and delicacies were presented to Japanese business leaders and media. On Thursday, a masterclass on Collio wines, organized by PromoTurismoFVG, will offer Japanese audiences a taste of Friuli Venezia Giulia’s celebrated enogastronomic traditions.
A Vision for the Future
The Osaka Expo 2025 is viewed as a springboard for long-term collaboration. Meetings with Japanese companies, including Kito Crosby and Mitsubishi Electric, aim to identify joint projects well ahead of the event. Additionally, Friuli Venezia Giulia will host a Japanese business delegation in January to explore opportunities in logistics and Central European market access.
“We are laying the groundwork for partnerships that can endure beyond the Expo,” said Fedriga. “This is a chance to align our strengths with Japan’s and create lasting opportunities for both regions.”
Global Visibility
The delegation’s visit to Japan also includes a bold promotional campaign. Following a successful initiative in New York City’s Times Square, Friuli Venezia Giulia is now featured on a prominent digital billboard in Tokyo’s Shibuya district. For two weeks, 15-second ads showcasing the region’s attractions will run every hour, reaching millions of passersby at one of the world’s busiest intersections.
“This campaign reinforces our message,” said Councillor Bini. “Friuli Venezia Giulia is a region of innovation and opportunity, ready to engage with the world—and Japan is a key partner in this vision.”
As the visit unfolds, Friuli Venezia Giulia is making its case not just as a destination for investment but as a bridge between East and West, rooted in shared values and a commitment to innovation. With its eyes on the Osaka Expo and beyond, the region is charting a path toward deeper collaboration with one of the world’s most dynamic economies.
