Kyrgyz Honey’s Golden Furor in Japan at EXPO 2025 Osaka

The story of Kyrgyz honey at EXPO 2025 in Osaka is a true business thriller with elements of diplomatic drama and a triumphant finale. The photo in your hands captures that very coveted Gold Award Kyrgyzstan won in the "Empowering Lives" category.

Here’s how this "honey furor" unfolded:

🍯 Chapter 1: The Buzz and the "Crime of the Century"

It all started in April 2025. In the Kyrgyz Republic pavilion, a rare white honey from Kyrgyz mountains was exhibited. The Japanese, known for their love of natural and high-quality products, literally swarmed the stand.

The fervor was so great that a curious incident occurred, making headlines worldwide: an 83-year-old resident of Osaka tried to steal a jar of expensive Kyrgyz honey worth 15000 yen (about $100). He was detained, but the Kyrgyz delegation acted nobly: they not only dropped all charges but also gifted the man that very same honey. This gesture of hospitality and kindness instantly made the Kyrgyzstan pavilion the most talked-about spot at the exhibition.

🏛️ Chapter 2: Technology and Traditions

The Japanese jury and visitors (and there were up to 40,000 a day!) were amazed at how Kyrgyzstan packaged its culture. The pavilion featured:

• AkylAI – a smart speaker that conversed freely with guests in Japanese, explaining the benefits of honey.
• Mirror Look – an AI mirror that allowed Japanese visitors to virtually try on national costumes.
• Eco-focus – the honey was presented not just as a dessert but as a symbol of preserving ecology and pastures.

🏆 Chapter 3: The Golden Finale

By October 2025, it was clear that Kyrgyzstan was one of the main favorites. Out of 169 participating countries, only 19 received gold medals. Kyrgyzstan took the "gold" for the best design and profound humanitarian message.

The jury noted that our honey and felt products are not just goods, but a philosophy of life in harmony with nature, supported by modern IT solutions.

Interesting fact: Over the six months of the exhibition, millions of people passed through our pavilion, and the export of honey to Japan subsequently surged, solidifying its status as the "white gold" of the Tien Shan.