Saint Lucia’s cultural spirit roared to life on the global stage of Expo Japan in Osaka, as the island’s contingent delivered a full day of electrifying presentations under the banner “Rhythms of Iyanola.” From the raising of the national flag to pulsating music, fashion, and dance, Saint Lucia cemented its reputation as a small island with an outsized cultural footprint.
The day opened with the National Day Ceremony, where the flags of Saint Lucia and Japan were raised in a moving display of unity. The delegation immediately transitioned into a tribute to the La Rose Festival, observed on August 30th back home, honoring one of the island’s most cherished cultural traditions.
What followed was nothing short of spectacular; a parade through the Expo grounds that mirrored the vibrancy of Jouvert and Carnival, complete with colorful costumes, pulsating drumlines, and Saint Lucian flags waved proudly by both performers and onlookers. Japanese audiences were swept into the rhythms, many singing along to Saint Lucian anthems word for word, proof that the island’s music and culture have traveled far beyond the Caribbean Sea.
The celebration continued with the Fashion of Iyanola showcase, spotlighting the artistry of Saint Lucian designers. Models draped in bold prints and elegant designs captivated crowds, underscoring the island’s growing creative industries.
As evening fell, the Rhythms of Iyanola concert took center stage, featuring an all-star lineup: Ezra D Funmachine, reigning Calypso and Soca Monarch Dezral, Groovy King Nerdy, Sly, DJ Hyper D, violinist Michael Fletcher, Surbance, and the mesmerizing stilt walkers who towered above the crowd with dazzling feats.
Sunita Daniel, CEO of Export Saint Lucia, hailed the day as a cultural and commercial triumph:
“Our creatives brought Saint Lucia’s spirit to life in Japan, and the response has been overwhelming. For the past several days, the Saint Lucia pavilion has been one of the most visited at the Expo. In fact, we’ve now welcomed over one million visitors through our booth, and that tells us there is genuine interest, not just in our music and art, but in Brand Saint Lucia as a whole. This kind of exposure is priceless for our creatives, our exporters, and our country.”
Minister for Culture and Creative Industries, Dr. Ernest Hilaire, described the moment as deeply emotional.
“Watching our performers take the stage in Japan and seeing Japanese audiences sing our songs word for word was profoundly moving. It is a proud moment for every Saint Lucian to witness how far our music, our fashion, and our culture have reached. What we saw here tonight proves that our creatives are not only representing Saint Lucia with distinction, but also carving out a place for themselves on the world stage.”
For members of the Saint Lucian diaspora living in Japan, the day was equally powerful. Chad Sufferin, a Saint Lucian from Anse La Raye who now resides in Japan with his wife, originally from Vieux Fort, and their daughter, described the experience as surreal.
“Saint Lucia is a dot when you look at the map. And to see these many flags flying in Japan for Saint Lucia, it’s crazy and it’s a beautiful thing. One thing I learned about living in Japan for so long is that the culture and the people, they’re really accepting of different cultures and really curious. So seeing something like that, that was a beautiful thing.”
Saint Lucia’s participation in Expo Japan has so far showcased more than just tourism potential. It has proven that the island’s cultural industries, music, fashion, festivals, and art, are world-class exports in their own right.
Expo Osaka 2025 is expected to welcome over 28 million visitors, averaging about 150,000 people daily. It has now become a global stage where Saint Lucia’s culture is now shining brightly.
