Opened on Monday, June 9, the Ivorian Week at the Osaka World Expo dedicated Wednesday, June 11, 2025, to the celebration of the country’s culture. During this day, the head of the Ivorian delegation praised the initiative, which allows showcasing the craftsmanship and cultural identity of Côte d’Ivoire.

“This international platform is a strategic opportunity to promote Ivorian craftsmanship, particularly the cocoa sector: a true pillar of the national economy,” declared Dr. Souleymane Diarrassouba at the official opening of the day, which featured a gathering of cultural figures including Alpha Blondy, the reggae legend; choreographer Georges Momboye; artist Jacob Bleu; and many others, in the presence of numerous Japanese visitors who flocked to the Côte d’Ivoire pavilion.

The Minister of Commerce and Industry took advantage of this platform to highlight Côte d’Ivoire’s leadership in the global cocoa supply. He called for increased interest from Japanese investors in the Ivorian "brown gold," aiming to establish modern factories in Côte d’Ivoire to boost the cocoa processing rate, of which 46% already undergoes initial processing locally. “It was therefore essential to be here to tell the Japanese and the whole world that more than 42% of the world’s cocoa supply comes from Côte d’Ivoire,” he emphasized.

The cultural day featured chocolate tasting sessions around a chocolate fountain set up by chocolatier Viviane Kouamé, which created a genuine buzz among Japanese visitors. Meanwhile, painter Jacob Bleu performed a live painting session before an enthralled audience, while fashion designer Roger Bango attracted crowds with his exhibition of richly colored woven fabrics. Throughout the day, visitors also experienced an immersive virtual tour of the Banco Forest, the green lung of Abidjan.