San Marino, March 2, 2025 – Yesterday afternoon, the Road to Osaka event took place at the Atlante Shopping Center, presenting to the citizens of San Marino the country’s participation in Expo 2025 and the program for the National Day, which will be celebrated on May 3 in the presence of the highest Japanese and Sammarinese authorities.
The Secretary of State for Tourism, with responsibility for Expo, Federico Pedini Amati, extended his greetings to the citizens through the words of General Commissioner Filippo Francini. He also offered his full support to the young volunteers who will depart to serve as the first ambassadors of the country, sending a video message to express his encouragement for the important role they will play. Commissioner Francini continued by discussing how San Marino’s participation fits into the Japanese Expo. Pavilion Director Laura Franciosi presented the exhibition space—its project and content—and gave a preview of what the National Day celebrations will entail.
The event was also an opportunity for Colony, the travel agency partnering with the Commissioner, to share the details of the travel package “In the Heart of Japan,” which is being organized for October.
The afternoon concluded with a performance by the Istituto Musicale Sammarinese, featuring Marco Capicchioni on piano, Aldo Capicchioni on violin, and Akiko Yatani on viola. Together with five other members of the institute, they will fly to Osaka to represent San Marino’s musical tradition.
A delegation from the Sammarinese Federation of Crossbowmen was present and will be in Japan on May 3 to add color to Expo’s streets with performances, parades, and shows during San Marino’s most solemn day. The Corte of Olnano, which will also be in Osaka in October for an event the Commissioner intends to organize just days before Expo closes on the 13th, was represented by two men in costume. Cellist Francesco Stefanelli and pianist Nicola Pantani will also participate in the same event.
General Commissioner Filippo Francini commented: “I’m happy that so many citizens attended today’s event. For us at the Expo Commission, it was important to give our fellow citizens a taste of what we will bring to Japan during the six months of the event, especially on the day we will celebrate our National Day.” “I would like to thank the Atlante Shopping Center, especially its Director Marco Bizzocchi, for the hospitality and valuable collaboration in organizing the event in every aspect,” continued Francini. “Thanks also to Marino Baldacci Sound Instruments for providing the acoustic piano for the performance by the Sammarinese Music Institute. Once again, the power of working together with local organizations to promote such an important national project, the most significant international event our Republic will participate in this year, has been proven.”
