The World Festival Tenri (WFT), a recurring cultural exposition held annually in Tenri, Nara Prefecture, Japan, presents a microcosm of international relations. While ostensibly a celebration of diverse cultures, its strategic significance for nations like Indonesia, coupled with the broader context of the 2025 World Expo Osaka, Kansai, merits detailed analysis. This examination reveals Indonesia’s deliberate investment in people-to-people diplomacy and a nuanced understanding of how cultural engagement can bolster bilateral ties.
The 2025 WFT, concluding November 23, 2025, demonstrated Indonesia’s sustained commitment to fostering relationships beyond traditional diplomatic channels. The presence of Indonesian cultural groups—Pasir Bintang and Arjuna Srikandi—both comprised of Japanese nationals—signified a targeted approach, building bridges through shared experiences and cultural continuity. “Cultural exchange is a powerful tool,” stated Dr. Hiroki Sato, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Policy Innovation in Tokyo, “It transcends the limitations of formal negotiations, creating a reservoir of goodwill and mutual understanding crucial for long-term strategic partnerships.”
The festival’s architectural context is important. The 2025 World Expo Osaka, Kansai, represents a significant investment in innovation, technology, and sustainable urban development. Indonesia's involvement in WFT 2025 can be interpreted as an early signal of its intention to participate in this broader Japanese initiative, demonstrating a willingness to engage with the country’s major technological and economic drivers. The festival’s inclusion within the Expo’s ecosystem adds another layer of strategic importance.
Indonesia’s culinary offerings—including chicken satay, bakso Malang, and a selection of traditional Indonesian desserts—were deliberately highlighted as part of a broader gastrodiplomacy strategy. This approach, increasingly recognized as a vehicle for cultural influence, allowed the Indonesian Consulate to directly interact with Japanese citizens, exposing them to Indonesian flavors and customs. “Food is a universal language,” explained Ms. Anya Wijaya, a specialist in food diplomacy at the University of Indonesia. “It’s a low-cost, high-impact method of introducing a country’s culture and values.” The inclusion of dishes like wedang jahe (ginger drink) and bajigur (cempedak drink) further diversified the experience for attendees, showcasing Indonesia’s rich beverage traditions.
The closing ceremony, attended by the Indonesian Consul General, the Consul General of Thailand, and a Consul from the Consulate General of India, underscored the collaborative nature of the event. Mayor Ken Namikawa’s emphasis on "living together in harmony” reflected a wider trend in Japanese foreign policy—one prioritizing stability and mutual benefit. The participation of the Thai and Indian Consuls further signaled Indonesia’s strategic positioning within the broader Southeast Asian diplomatic landscape. “Indonesia’s role is vital to maintaining regional stability,” noted Professor Kenichi Yamamoto, a specialist in Japanese foreign relations at Kyoto University. “Events like WFT 2025 allow the country to build relationships across the region, strengthening its position as a key player.”
Looking ahead, the WFT’s impact is expected to be felt in the next six months. Indonesia is likely to leverage the positive engagement generated at the festival to nurture relationships with key Japanese businesses and government officials, particularly in sectors related to the World Expo. Long-term, the strategy—rooted in sustained cultural engagement—has the potential to solidify Indonesia’s standing as a trusted partner within the Japanese diplomatic network. The festival’s success relies on continued investment and a strategic understanding of how cultural diplomacy can serve broader geopolitical goals. The Indonesian government’s sustained commitment to similar cultural initiatives, coupled with a proactive approach to building relationships, will be crucial to realizing this potential. The festival’s legacy will be measured not only by the immediate cultural exchange but by the long-term strengthening of bilateral ties between Indonesia and Japan.