At the EXPO 2025 in Osaka, Japan, Ukraine unveiled its unique pavilion titled "Not For Sale." Thousands of visitors queued to enter the Ukrainian "Store Where Nothing Can Be Bought," which showcases symbols of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Among the exhibits is a replica of an ancient marble lion stolen by Russians from the Kherson Museum in 2022.

On the first day of the exhibition, April 13, 5,000 guests visited the pavilion, causing such high demand that traffic controllers had to be called in.

Veronika Selega, head of the creative agency Bickerstaff.345, mentioned that visitors can scan QR codes on the exhibits, leading to videos explaining the "price" Ukrainians are paying today.

"This year, many pavilions represented culture, and our project emphasizes the values we uphold. A store without goods symbolizes that our values are not for sale," Selega stated.

The Ministry of Economy of Ukraine was responsible for the pavilion, bringing the creative agency's ideas to life. Many objects were 3D-printed in Ivano-Frankivsk, and paint was flown to Japan for the exhibits.

Additionally, a zone called "Values Driven Economy" showcased artifacts from six Ukrainian businesses that continue to operate despite the war.

The exhibition in Osaka will run for six months, and according to First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, millions of visitors are expected.

"Up to 1,500 visitors pass through our pavilion every hour. Over six months, the total number of visitors is projected to reach 23 million. This is a strategic opportunity to showcase our values and resilience," the minister added.

The pavilion's opening was attended by the Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Japan and representatives from Japan's Ministry of Economy.

About EXPO 2025

On April 13, the official opening of EXPO 2025 took place in Osaka with the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives."

Over 160 countries and organizations are participating, showcasing their innovations. Japan provided Ukraine with free space for its participation, and the exhibition will last until October 13, 2025.

The World Expo is a symbol of industrialization and a platform for showcasing technological advancements.

The first Expo took place in London in 1851. Since then, such exhibitions have been held every few years in major industrial cities around the world.