Catalonia introduces its heritage to the world at Catalan Week in Japan 

Catalonia will promote its culture and gastronomy at the Universal Expo in Osaka, Japan, during Catalan Week. The week, aiming to "introduce Catalonia to the world", will take place from May 27 to June 1.  

Activities during the week will be centered around themes like Catalan gastronomy and culture. Renowned Catalan Michelin-star chefs like Carme Ruscalleda (former owner of restaurant Sant Pau in Sant Pol de Mar and restaurant Sant Pau in Tokyo, now ran by her son) and Joan Roca (El Celler de Can Roca) are acting as "ambassadors." 

During the week, there will be additional pop-up classes aimed at "bringing people closer" to the Catalan language and Osaka will host several artistic activities and special workshops, including one on pa amb tomàquet (Catalan tomato bread) and a masterclass on Catalan wines. 

Jaume Duch, the Minister for European Union and Foreign Affairs, stated at a press conference that Catalan Week is "a unique opportunity to showcase the country around the world."  

The event's slogan will be "Catalonia, land of innovation and the avant-garde," with the visual identity aspect being based on the four red stripes of the Catalan flag (senyera), using a variety of colors.  

On Wednesday, May 28, President Salvador Illa will participate in the official inauguration ceremony, along with representatives from the Spanish government.  

To clarify, Duch emphasized that the president Illa's visit to Japan has institutional and economic claims. In Kyoto, Illa will sign a regional cooperation agreement.  

Miquel Sàmper, Minister for Business and Labor, highlighted that about ten companies and institutions will travel to Osaka, including the Miró Foundation, the Palau de la Música and the MNAC (Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya).  

Gastronomy, music and Catalan language 

Under the theme of innovation and the avant-garde, Duch stated that the event's activities will focus mainly on culture, with musical and stage performances. There will also be audiovisual content to highlight topics such as architecture and the Catalan language.  

There will also be a series of videos on show, including one about Barcelona as World Capital of Architecture, another positioning Barcelona as a tourist destination, and one about FC Barcelona. 

Artistic performances will take place at Plaça del Sol, an open space at the entrance of the Spanish Pavilion at the Expo.  

A main highlight will be gastronomy, especially since Catalonia has been named World Region of Gastronomy for 2025. Gastronomy contributes 20% of Catalonia's GDP. The Osaka Expo will therefore also be used to commercially boost Catalan products and companies in the Japanese market, particularly Catalan wine.  

Tastings and workshops on Catalan products will be led by Josep Barahona, a chef based in Japan, while Carme Ruscalleda and Joan Roca will serve as ambassadors, offering a talk to highlight the richness of Catalan cuisine. 

Regarding technology, Catalonia will present demonstrations linking emotions and artificial intelligence, including a pioneering brain-computer interface powered by AI.