Poland. Culture Week

From September 4 to 10, 2025, the Poland Pavilion at Expo Osaka became a dynamic stage for the presentation of Polish culture – from the classics of the Young Poland movement and literature to experimental electronic music and jazz. Each day offered a distinct theme, reflecting the richness of both heritage and contemporary creativity.

September 4 – Young Poland Day

The week will open with the Young Poland Day, focused on the figure of Władysław Reymont – Nobel Prize laureate and author of The Peasants. The program will include a presentation about his life and work, along with a screening of a video report from the ‘Young Poland’ exhibition in Kyoto. The highlight of the day will be the evening audiovisual show The Peasants: Tańcuj Remixed, combining a screening of The Peasants – Poland’s official Oscar entry – with live music from the film

September 5 – Dance and Music Across Generations Day

Urszula Dudziak, an icon of the Polish jazz scene, will perform in front of the Poland Pavilion as part of the ‘Papaya at Expo’ program. Inside the Women’s Pavilion, a special meeting will be held with the artist and Yuka Ebihara, a soloist of the Polish National Ballet of Japanese origin. The conversation will explore the power of music and dance as forms of dialogue between generations and cultures.

September 6 – Polish Literature Day

The literary segment of the week will be dedicated to both the classics and contemporary authors. The program will include a National Reading of Jan Kochanowski’s poetry in Japanese translation, a meeting with translators of Polish literature, and readings of excerpts from the works of Olga Tokarczuk, Wisława Szymborska, and Jan Brzechwa. The day will highlight the richness and diversity of Polish literature – and how deeply it resonates within Japanese culture.

September 4–6 – Unsound Festival

Parallel to the events at the Pavilion, selected clubs in Osaka will host the first Japanese edition of the Unsound Festival – one of Poland’s most renowned platforms for electronic and experimental music. The lineup will feature artists from both Poland and Japan, showcasing cutting-edge trends in sound art.

September 7–9 – Showcase of the Young Polish Jazz Scene

The final days of the week will be dedicated to Polish jazz. Concerts by young artists will take place in Osaka’s clubs and in the chamber hall of the Poland Pavilion, showcasing the diversity and expressive power of the new generation. The highlight will be the premiere of a specially composed jazz suite by Nikola Kołodziejczyk, created for the occasion of the Expo.

The Polish Culture Week offers something for everyone – from lovers of the classics to enthusiasts of the contemporary art scene. Each day will bring a unique perspective and highlight the richness and diversity of both Poland’s cultural heritage and its modern creative landscape.