The Israeli Foreign Ministry is planning a special operation to transport a stone from the Western Wall to Japan for display at the Osaka Expo. This major international fair, expected to draw approximately 28 million visitors over six months, will feature the stone taken from the southern section of the Western Wall with the assistance of the Israel Antiquities Authority. The cost of transporting the stone is estimated at $32,525 for the round trip.
The Expo is scheduled to open on April 13 in Osaka. A preliminary delegation from the Foreign Ministry has already visited the site to prepare for the establishment of the Israeli pavilion. In collaboration with the Israeli Embassy in Tokyo, the ministry is investing significant resources into the pavilion, which will highlight Jewish tradition and culture alongside Israeli innovation and entrepreneurship.
Initially, Israel had not intended to participate in the Expo, citing constraints following the October 7 attack which made it difficult to construct a pavilion comparable in size to previous years, such as the 1,200-square-meter pavilion at the last fair. However, after persistent efforts by the Foreign Ministry and the Israeli Embassy in Japan, the decision was made to proceed with participation due to the event’s political significance. The Israeli government has allocated NIS 10 million ($2.73 million) for the pavilion’s construction.
Over the course of the six-month event, the Israeli delegation will organize a variety of activities, including seminars on technology, innovation, education, and elderly healthcare. Additional events will be hosted by the Ministries of Tourism and Economy. Cultural programs, such as dance, jazz, and visual arts performances, are also planned for the pavilion.
