Famous “Expo Grandma” Sends a Message from Osaka – “Serbia, Wait for Me in 2027!”

Just as there are football fans who follow their favorite teams around the world or never miss a FIFA World Cup, believe it or not, there are also enthusiasts of International Exhibitions who seize every opportunity to witness history being made at these global events.

One such devoted fan is the charming 76-year-old Mrs. Tomiyo Yamada, affectionately known across Japan and beyond as “Expo Grandma.” For over half a century, she has been a regular participant at World and Specialized Expos held under the auspices of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE).

“I was just 21 years old when I discovered the world of International Exhibitions – right here in Osaka, at Expo 1970. And now, more than fifty years later, I’m back in the same city for Expo 2025. It’s an incredible feeling to look back and realize that since the World Expo in Aichi 2005, I haven’t missed a single World or Specialized Expo. I’ve been to Zaragoza in 2008, Shanghai in 2010, Yeosu in 2012, Milan in 2015, Astana in 2017, Dubai in 2021, and after Osaka in 2025, my next destination is Serbia in 2027,” said Mrs. Yamada, who was born in 1949.

“Expo Grandma,” who visited the hugely popular Serbian pavilion in Osaka on May 15, exactly two years before the scheduled opening of Expo 2027 in Belgrade, said that she initially attended Expos for the exhibitions themselves, but over time came to cherish the human connections and friendships, which inspired her to attend more and more events.

“Expo is a 'world of friendship' – without borders or conflicts. With just one ticket, you can travel the whole planet and take a glimpse into the future. Honestly, if Expo weren’t being held in Serbia, I probably never would have gone there or gotten to know the country in such detail. One of the greatest joys of Expos is that they allow you to learn so much about a country, fall in love with it, and form deeper connections,” Yamada explained.

She said she is especially excited about coming to Serbia and can’t wait to visit Belgrade. “Of course I’m looking forward to it! Serbia had some serious competition in its bid to host Expo 2027 – from countries like the United States and Thailand – but still managed to win the vote, which is amazing,” Yamada said, adding, “When I think of Serbia, I remember how innovative its pavilion was at Expo 2010 in Shanghai – what stuck with me was the calendar display inside the pavilion. I even got a souvenir, which was my first real introduction to Serbia.”

During her visit to the Serbian pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, she remarked that she is aware of the historical hardships faced by countries of the former Yugoslavia, which makes Serbia’s success even more impressive. “I’m so glad to see how far Serbia has come since those difficult days. Winning the bid to host Expo 2027 is truly remarkable. Many countries apply multiple times before being selected, but Serbia won on its first attempt, which deserves great respect,” “Expo Grandma” emphasized, adding that she “knew immediately she would travel to Belgrade the moment it was announced as the host city.”

“That very decision motivated me even more to visit the Serbian pavilion here in Osaka,” she added.

For those who have never attended an International Exhibition, it’s not always easy to explain what Expo is or why it matters so much. But Mrs. Yamada, who has attended nine Expos so far, has no doubts:

“Unlike the Olympics, an International Exhibition is an event that energizes an entire country over an extended period. It’s not just a gathering of people from around the globe, it’s a diplomatic stage. New international relationships are formed, and new ways of living are embraced through Expo.”

At the end of her visit to the Serbian pavilion in Osaka, as she looks ahead to her milestone tenth Expo in Belgrade in 2027, “Expo Grandma” sent a heartfelt message to all the people of Serbia:

“I’m confident that the Expo in Belgrade will bring many good things, especially for the young people of Serbia. Also, in the long history of International Exhibitions, the theme of ‘play’ has never been the central focus. That’s why I truly hope you all join forces and create a wonderful and joyful Expo. As soon as the World Expo in Osaka concludes, I want to visit Serbia as soon as possible. And on the opening day, May 15, 2027, I’ll be in Belgrade. So to everyone in Serbia, please, wait for me!”