Monthly Archives: March 2025

The 17th Kansai Consular Forum

The 17th Kansai Consular Forum, hosted by METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry), was held with the participation of consuls general and consuls from 21 countries.

Following presentations by METI and the Expo 2025 Association, updates were shared on the progress, events, and themes of various national pavilions.

With just one month to go until the grand opening, participating countries are now in the final stages of preparation.

Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, set to open on April 13, will offer countless business opportunities and networking possibilities—get ready!

Kyoto Tech Tour

On January 24, the Kyoto Tech Tour, hosted by the City of Kyoto, took place at ACT Kyoto.

A total of 20 participants attended, starting with presentations by Kyoto-based startup companies, followed by a poster session and networking opportunities between the companies and consuls.

During Expo 2025, many delegations from around the world are expected to visit Japan, bringing new business opportunities. In anticipation of this, the City of Kyoto organized this tech tour for consuls and honorary consuls to explore Kyoto’s innovation ecosystem.

We were also honored to receive remarks from the Mayor of Kyoto. Thank you for this incredible opportunity!

Remarks by new acting Dean, LEE Sangyol
Group photo with Mayor of Kyoto

Kansai Diplomatic Seminar and Change of Dean in Kansai Consular Corps

A discussion meeting was held between the Governor of Osaka Prefecture, the Mayor of Osaka City, and consulates in the Kansai region on17 Jan 2025.

The main topic of interest was the Expo 2025, which is now just three months away. Discussions covered logistics, events, and the Expo’s legacy. The Osaka Prefectural and City governments shared their perspectives on how to ensure that the Expo is not just a one-time event but a lasting legacy, and what initiatives are being implemented to achieve this.

Additionally, it was officially announced that Ms. Carolyn Davidson , who has served as the Dean of the Kansai Consular Corps since June 2023, will step down from her role as British Consul-General to focus on position as the UK Government Commisioner General for Expo 2025.

With this transition, it was also announced that Consul-General Lee Sangyol of the Consul-General of Korea in Kobe will assume the role of Acting Dean as of this day. While the official appointment will take place at the annual general meeting in May, he has already taken on the responsibilities as Acting Dean.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Dean Carolyn Davidson for her contributions and warmly congratulate the new Dean on his appointment.


1月17日、大阪府知事と大阪市長、そして関西の総領事館との意見交換会が行われました。

最も関心が高い、開幕まで3か月とせまった万博について、ロジ面、イベント、そして万博レガシーについて意見交換がされました。万博を一過性のものにせず、レガシーとして生き続けるためにどのような取り組みがされているか、どう取り組むか、大阪府市の見解も話されました。

また、2023年6月から関西領事団の団長を務めてこられた英国総領事キャロリン・デービッドソン氏が、英国万博政府代表に専任されるため総領事を退任し、団長を退くことが正式に発表されました。

これに伴い、在神戸韓国総領事の李相烈氏が新たに団長代理として就任することも発表されました。正式な任命は5月の年次総会にて行われますが、団長代理としての役割を担われることとなりました。

キャロリン・デービッドソン団長のこれまでの貢献に深く感謝申し上げるとともに、新団長の就任を心よりお祝い申し上げます。