One Year Until the Opening of the International Horticultural Expo 2027: Latest Updates and Key Topics from GREEN×EXPO 2027, Including the One-Year-to-Go Press Conference, Official Uniforms, and Sponsorship Project Announcements
Yuzu Appointed as Official Ambassadors; Mana Ashida Appears at the One-Year-to-Go Press Conference
With just one year remaining until the opening of the International Horticultural Expo 2027 (GREEN×EXPO 2027), scheduled to begin in March 2027 at the former Kamiseya Communication Site in Yokohama, a series of new announcements have been unveiled.
In this article, MICE TIMES ONLINE highlights the latest developments announced as part of the one-year-to-go milestone. Topics include the appointment of Yokohama-born music duo Yuzu as official ambassadors, environmentally conscious official uniforms, a pavilion project led by Taisei Corporation, and newly launched sponsorship initiatives.
One-Year-to-Go Press Conference Held at Tokyo International Forum on March 19
Yuzu Appointed as New Official Ambassadors and Announce Theme Song Production
On March 19, 2026, the one-year-to-go press conference for GREEN×EXPO 2027 was held on a large scale at the Tokyo International Forum. One of the major highlights of the event was the appointment of Yuzu members Yujin Kitagawa and Koji Iwasawa, both artists from Yokohama, as the expo’s new official ambassadors.
The members of Yuzu expressed their excitement about taking on the role and announced that they will produce a collaborative theme song to support the expo. Kitagawa commented that he feels a strong connection to the event, as 2027 — the year the expo will be held — also marks the 30th anniversary of Yuzu’s debut. He shared his hopes of creating a song that expresses both the strength to move forward into the future and the beauty and gentleness of trees and flowers.
To commemorate the appointment of Yuzu as official ambassadors, a yuzu tree was planted at the venue. Official ambassador Mana Ashida, who appeared alongside the duo, expressed her hope that the tree would become a symbol that gives power and encouragement to many people. Ashida also commented on the newly introduced brand message, “With the Earth. Let’s Go Bloom,” describing it as a wonderful message about enriching life together with nature and allowing dreams to bloom.
Messages were also delivered during the press conference from related government ministers and local government leaders.
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Suzuki revealed that approximately 600 cherry blossom trees representing around 40 varieties will welcome visitors at the venue. He also announced that advanced technologies such as fully enclosed plant factories and perovskite solar cells will be showcased within the Japan Government Pavilion.
Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Ino stated that the expo will build upon the knowledge and experience gained from Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, and announced that a second anniversary event for the Osaka-Kansai Expo opening will be held at the venue in April next year.
Yokohama City Unveils Latest Exhibition Plans as Manatsu Akimoto Encourages Public Participation
On the same day, Yokohama City also held its own one-year-to-go presentation at the Yokohama City Hall Atrium, where Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka shared updates on exhibition plans being developed together with local residents and businesses.
Yokohama City’s exhibition will feature an approximately 3,000-square-meter communication hub designed to introduce visitors to new lifestyle concepts, alongside a field area of approximately 10,000 square meters. Within the communication hub, an advanced technology experience zone will bring together 33 companies and organizations working on resource circulation initiatives, creating an opportunity for visitors to explore a future Yokohama supported by technology.
The city also announced plans to invite children aged 4 to 18 living in Yokohama, as well as students attending municipal schools, to the expo. To ensure safe and convenient access to the venue, shuttle bus services from four nearby stations and direct bus routes are currently under consideration.
In addition, admission tickets have been added as return gifts for Yokohama City’s individual hometown tax donation program, with donations beginning on April 1, 2026.
Yokohama City also revealed that volunteer recruitment will begin in July. Interest has already been high, with the previously announced Flower and Green Guide Volunteer program receiving applications from across Japan far exceeding available positions, reflecting growing public anticipation and enthusiasm for the expo.
Official Uniforms for Attendants and Volunteers Reflecting a Resource-Circulation Infrastructure
Four Designs Utilizing Plant-Based Materials and Composting Technology
At GREEN×EXPO 2027, environmental considerations are being incorporated throughout the event’s operations, with the official uniforms serving as one symbolic example. Produced by Team P-FACTS, a consortium represented by Pieclex Co., Ltd., the uniforms feature an innovative circular infrastructure in which the garments can be composted after use and reused in the cultivation of new plants.
For attendant staff welcoming visitors, the organizers adopted a white-based design inspired by the functionality and dynamic elegance of traditional Japanese samue workwear. The uniforms for operational volunteers incorporate earth blue tones symbolizing the planet, expressing their role in supporting the entire expo through mobility and hospitality.
Flower and Green Guide Volunteers will wear green uniforms designed to harmonize with nature, while Plant Management Volunteers will wear deep green designs intended to blend naturally into horticultural work environments. This initiative, which allows anyone wearing the uniforms to participate in a resource-circulation system simply through their clothing, delivers a strong message toward a more sustainable future.
TAISEI GREEN TERRACE: A Landmark Observation Facility at the Expo Venue
Taisei Corporation Unveils a Multi-Level Wooden Space Designed in Harmony with Nature
Concrete images of the expo venue facilities are also continuing to emerge. Taisei Corporation, participating as a Diamond Partner, has released the first conceptual renderings of TAISEI GREEN TERRACE, a large-scale wooden terrace to be constructed near the venue’s central plaza.
The facility is designed as a landmark-style observation structure shaped like a gentle hill, offering sweeping panoramic views of the flowers and greenery throughout the expo site.
The terrace features an approximately 90-meter-long slope, an observation height of around 4.5 meters, and a total floor area of approximately 800 square meters. Designed as a multi-level terrace with gentle slopes, the structure allows visitors to stroll through the space while enjoying changing perspectives of the surrounding landscape. Beneath the roofed areas, comfortable resting spaces protected from sunlight and rain will also be provided, creating opportunities for visitors to relax and interact with one another.
In line with the expo’s theme, “Scenery for Tomorrow that Creates Happiness,” the facility incorporates concepts such as nature-positive initiatives aimed at restoring natural capital, resource circulation, and technologies that contribute to carbon neutrality. As a model case for environmentally conscious facilities designed to reduce environmental impact while supporting the realization of a sustainable society, the project is expected to attract significant public interest.
Launch of New Sponsorship Projects to Help Shape the Future Landscape Together
Seventh Round of Sponsorship Programs Focuses on Gender Equality and VIP Hospitality
Collaborative initiatives with companies and organizations supporting the expo continue to expand. In April 2026, the Japan Association for the International Horticultural Expo 2027 launched the seventh round of project sponsorship recruitment, introducing four new categories: Outdoor and Indoor Exhibition Projects, Co-Creation Competition Projects, Double Eye Projects, and VIP Hospitality Projects.
The Outdoor and Indoor Exhibition Projects seek support from companies providing technologies related to energy efficiency and carbon neutrality. Eligible areas include heat mitigation systems such as shading and mist equipment, air-conditioning systems, and plant temperature management technologies.
The Co-Creation Competition Project is designed to recruit partners who can comprehensively support the management and judging of gardens, horticultural exhibits, and related programs, while encouraging greater awareness and behavioral change toward solving global challenges.
What Is the Double Eye Project?
One of the most notable initiatives is the Double Eye Project, which aims to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. Through programs such as Double Eye Week and related forums, the project encourages participants to view inclusivity as a personal and shared responsibility.
In addition, the VIP Hospitality Project has also been launched to welcome distinguished guests visiting from more than 70 countries and regions around the world. Through the provision of transportation services, hospitality facilities, and related support systems, the initiative aims to create a special platform for showcasing Japan’s high-quality hospitality to an international audience.
One Year Until the Opening of GREEN×EXPO 2027
The International Horticultural Expo 2027 (GREEN×EXPO 2027) is a major international event that not only celebrates the beauty of flowers and greenery, but also explores environmental issues and the future of sustainable societies. With just one year remaining until the opening, the expo’s significance and appeal are increasingly reaching wider audiences through the activities of influential ambassadors including Yuzu, Mana Ashida, and Manatsu Akimoto.
Concrete initiatives such as compostable uniforms designed to return naturally to the environment and environmentally conscious multi-level wooden terraces present a vision of what a future resource-circulation society could look like. In addition, the wide range of sponsorship projects demonstrates a growing commitment among companies, citizens, and government organizations to work together in creating new social value.
Advance ticket sales have also begun steadily, while preparations for venue access improvements and citizen volunteer recruitment are moving into full operation. One year from now, Yokohama will become the stage for sharing “Scenery for Tomorrow that Creates Happiness” with the world, and MICE TIMES ONLINE will continue following the latest developments leading up to the opening.
GREEN×EXPO 2027 Overview
- Official Short Name: GREEN×EXPO 2027 (“Green Expo Nii-Zero-Nana”)
- Event Period: March 19 to September 26, 2027
- Venue: Former Kamiseya Communication Site, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
- Theme: Scenery for Tomorrow that Creates Happiness
- Expo Site Area: Approximately 100 hectares (including an 80-hectare event zone)
- Classification: A1 Class (Highest Category) — Approved by AIPH and Recognized by BIE
GREEN×EXPO 2027 Official Website https://expo2027yokohama.or.jp/
