EXPO 2025: The Nordics and Japan to work more closely together on the batteries of the future
Nordic Battery Day, an event held in the Nordic Pavilion at EXPO 2025 in Osaka, showcased how the Nordics and Japan can complement each other. The Nordic Region has expertise in sustainable mining, alternative materials, battery recycling and circular solutions, while Japan is a global leader in battery production, automation and advanced R&D. Together, the two have what it takes to develop more sustainable supply chains, recycle more materials, accelerate innovation and establish joint education and talent programmes.
Nordic Innovation sets the framework
Håkan Lind, senior adviser at Nordic Innovation (NI), took part in the event and stressed that the Nordic Region’s strength lies in the ability of the countries to work together:
We are five small countries, but together we generate results far greater than any of us could achieve on our own. That is the essence of Nordic co-operation – and what we bring with us to Japan.
Nordic Innovation is a Nordic Council of Ministers’ body that acts as a catalyst for innovation and co-operation throughout the region. In recent years, NI has co-funded the Nordic Battery Collaboration, an initiative run by Business Finland, Business Sweden and Innovation Norway. Its vision is to make the Nordic Region the home of the most sustainable, competitive and innovative battery ecosystem in the world.
From dialogue to action
The event was held in the same week as Japanese and European industry organisations signed new memoranda of understanding (MoUs) for the battery sector, marking an important step from dialogue to action.
As Håkan Lind, senior adviser at NI, summed it up in his closing remarks:
Japan and the Nordic Region share the same ambition: to make the battery value chain more sustainable, robust and innovative. This seminar has been an important step in the right direction, but what really matters will be the meetings, partnerships and projects that emerge as a result of it.
Nordic Battery Day at EXPO 2025 made it clear that the Nordic Region and Japan are ready to take the next step – together.
