When it comes to the big topic of this year (2025), it has to be the Osaka-Kansai Expo. It was often talked about in the news and on social media, as well as in conversations with people.
On the last Sunday of September, the “Okayama Expo” was held in Kojima, Kurashiki City.
In contrast to the worldwide Osaka-Kansai Expo, this was a locally flavored exposition packed with the charms of the region.
I attended to discover a new side of Okayama.
The information shown was accurate at the time this article was published in October 2025. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is “Okayama Expo 2025: The Future of Okayama Woven by Connections”?
“Okayama Expo 2025” was held on Sunday, September 28, 2025, across the area from the plaza in front of Kojima Station to Kojima Park. It was organized by the Japan Junior Chamber, Chugoku District, Okayama Block Council, a public interest incorporated association.
Gourmet foods, local specialties, traditional performing arts, and more from across Okayama Prefecture were lined up at the various pavilions. You could sample local specialties, explore regional products and tourist attractions, or enjoy traditional performing arts performances.
It was a one-day Expo experience where you could savor all of Okayama.
The event
I arrived 15 minutes before the event began, but the venue was busier than expected, and the large turnout conveyed how excited people were to attend.
Pavilions were lined up across the plaza just outside the west exit of Kojima Station.
The pavilions set up at the venue fell into five broad categories.
- Municipal pavilions
- Food pavilions
- Corporate sponsor pavilions
- Traditional performing arts pavilions
- Special pavilions
You can find details about each pavilion in the images below.
Discover the charms of each area! Municipal pavilions
Here, I’ll highlight what some of the pavilions were like.
Takahashi City
A panel of Sanjuro, the cat lord of Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, caught visitors’ eyes.
The “VR experience of a sea of clouds using a drone” was so thrilling that I got completely absorbed in it, just like a child.
Kibichuo Town
I tried rice-flour cookies containing “kusagi greens,” made by the Food Science Department of Okayama Prefectural Takamatsu Agricultural High School.
“Kusagi greens” are a wild plant in the mint family and are apparently one of the ingredients used in Kibichuo Town’s local cuisine. They are said to be rich in protein.
They looked like cookies made with black tea and had a crisp texture. There was no bitterness at all, and a gentle, fresh green aroma spread through the air.
Tsuyama City
When I think of Tsuyama, cherry blossoms and hormone udon come to mind, but this time I was drawn to the coffee-patterned masking tape.
The tape was inspired by Udagawa Yoan, a doctor in the Tsuyama Domain and scholar of Western studies who coined the ateji “珈琲” for “coffee.” It was said to be a Tsuyama-exclusive item, so I bought one as a souvenir.
Bizen City
The stalls were lined with Bizen ware accessories, miniature flower vases, processed oyster products, and more.
I had a hard time choosing, but for a souvenir I picked this “Shrimp Medley.”
Even a small amount fills your mouth with shrimp flavor. It’s perfect with rice or as a snack to enjoy with drinks.
I could go on and on; every pavilion was full of unique charms.
Eat your way around Okayama Prefecture! Local specialties and food pavilions
I also made the rounds of the food pavilions.
Niimi City
I bought Pione grapes at the Niimi City pavilion.
“This year’s grapes are packed with sweetness and are a little on the small side,” I was told, but they seemed plenty large to me. They’re a specialty that captures the character of Okayama.
Hayashima Town
The exhibitor at the Hayashima Town pavilion is “Machi no Chiisana Pan-ya-san momo,” the town’s only bakery specializing in bread.
Everything looked delicious. Many attendees stopped to take a closer look.
Yakitori Natchan, a takeout-only shop in Mizushima, Kurashiki City
As I made my way toward the back of the venue, an irresistibly savory aroma wafted from several pavilions.
I decided to try the yakitori from one of them, “Yakitori Natchan.”
The portions were generous and incredibly satisfying. I think I’ll visit the shop next time.
Seaside Farm Nanba Farm
I decided to try their new Tsurajima Burdock cup ice cream.
I took a bite…and sure enough, it tasted like burdock. Even though it was ice cream, the burdock flavor came through clearly. It had a surprisingly addictive taste, and before I knew it, I’d finished it in no time.
There was such a tempting selection of local gourmet foods that I wanted to try this and that, if only I’d had more room in my stomach.
Enjoy the best of craftsmanship and culture! Sponsor Company Pavilions and Traditional Performing Arts Pavilion
I noticed a pavilion drawing a crowd of children, so I went to take a look.
KANKO GAKUSEIFUKU CO., LTD.
This was the KANKO GAKUSEIFUKU CO., LTD. pavilion. Alongside displays of school uniforms and other uniforms, the shooting practice area was so popular that a line had formed.
I also saw children being lifted up so they could try a slam dunk.
Shakumoto Sewing Co., Ltd.
Shakumoto Sewing Co., Ltd. is best known for its high-quality ties made by skilled artisans.
I heard that they recently began selling scrunchies made from 100% domestically produced silk. Many women had gathered around the scrunchie display.
These carefully crafted items would make a perfect gift for someone special—or a treat for yourself.
Main Stage for Song and Dance
Drawn by the lively atmosphere at the main stage, a large crowd gathered.
It looked like the Uraja performance by Niga-ya had begun. The performers came off the stage, and the audience joined in the dancing, creating a wonderfully lively atmosphere.
Some people danced along, while others clapped to the beat—everyone enjoyed it in their own way.
Even I, the writer, who knew little about the dance, found myself naturally moving to the rhythm.
From the Writer
What stood out most was the warmth of the people, which I felt at every pavilion.
The event organizers’ desire to “share” and the attendees’ curiosity and eagerness to learn came together, spreading a cheerful atmosphere throughout the venue.
I heard attendees say things like, “Maybe we should go visit next time,” and felt as though I had witnessed a moment when people and communities connected.
Now that the local expo, where I fully experienced Okayama’s charms, has come to an end, what I feel as an attendee is a desire to visit places around the prefecture that I still haven’t discovered.
I was filled with that feeling.
Okayama Expo 2025: A Future for Okayama Woven Through Connections — Event Information
| Name | Okayama Expo 2025: A Future for Okayama Woven Through Connections |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, September 28, 2025 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| Location | Kojima Station Front Plaza–Kojima Park |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
| Website | Okayama Expo 2025: A Future for Okayama Woven Through Connections — Event Confirmed!! - Japan Junior Chamber, Inc., Headquarters |
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