First Groups of Students from the Unique Regional Program ‘DRESS UP & STAY HOME’ Have Returned from Japan

A total of 70 students from 35 secondary schools and vocational schools in the Pilsen Region are participating in the program, divided into four groups. Each group is accompanied by two teachers from regional secondary schools. The students follow a program that includes visits to the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, the Tokyo Innovation Base, Miraikan (the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation), and the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo. “We are giving our students the opportunity to discover the world beyond textbooks. EXPO is a living laboratory of ideas that can transform their perspective on the future, technology, and their role in society,” says Vladimír Kroc, Deputy Governor of the Pilsen Region for Education and Sports.

"A special highlight for the students was a visit to the RIKEN Research Center, which opened its quantum computing facilities to the group, and a tour of Momijigawa High School, a metropolitan secondary school in Tokyo,” adds Jaroslava Havlíčková, Head of the Department of Education, Youth and Sports of the Pilsen Region.

President Pavel: EXPO is Grand
In the words of President Petr Pavel, who officially opened the Czech National Day at EXPO: “It is a showcase of cutting-edge technologies, exceptional architecture, and national identities. But it is also – and perhaps above all – a space where different cultures meet to seek answers to the question of what the future should look like. Our shared future.”

Pilsen Region Presents Itself During Region Week at the Czech National Pavilion
Thanks to the efforts of Kateřina Chábová, Manager of the Pilsen Region’s EXPO Activities, strong partnerships have been established with the Czech National Pavilion, the Embassy of Japan in Prague, the Embassy of Czechia in Japan, and agencies such as CzechInvest, CzechTourism, and CzechTrade.

“Our students benefit greatly from these regional activities, enjoying a rich program and excellent support at the Czech National Pavilion,” adds the Deputy Governor Vladimír Kroc.

Ondřej Soška, the Commissioner General of Czech participation at EXPO 2025, met with students from regional schools and shared with them the story behind the creation of the unique Czech National Pavilion — the most visible exhibit of the country’s presentation, showcasing Czech technical expertise and architectural ingenuity. “It was by no means easy to convince Japanese authorities and local officials to give us the green light to build a technologically unique and innovative pavilion. But thanks to our relentless determination, effort, and creativity, we managed to construct something in Japan that had never been done before — the first-ever five-story building made of CLT (cross-laminated timber) without a steel support structure. And to top it off, it’s circular,” said Ondřej Soška. He added: “I truly believe that when we give children the space to express themselves and develop their talents, creativity, and imagination, we are not only preparing them for tomorrow’s challenges but for life itself. Traveling and discovering new things and cultures is incredibly enriching — it opens up new horizons and teaches us to tackle unexpected situations. On just 155 hectares of EXPO grounds, the entire world meets every day. There is no other place like it, where you can explore cultures so deeply and observe how they operate and interact. The Pilsen Region has my deepest respect for the DRESS UP & STAY HOME project.”

At the Czech restaurant managed by Petr Brož, participants of the project have all meals arranged. Thanks to Czech representation, they were also granted access to the EXPO grounds and even priority entry to several other national pavilions.

A Global Theme Connecting Nations
This year’s World EXPO 2025 is held under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” The students have a unique opportunity to explore how different countries approach the future — for example, both Japan and Germany have chosen the concept of the circular economy as their central theme.

Japan’s pavilion operates as a factory that processes organic waste generated on-site at the EXPO grounds. Using microorganisms, it produces electricity, heat, and water. The pavilion also cultivates algae, which are transformed into new products through an automated robotic process. Waste becomes a new resource — a continuous cycle of transformation.

Germany’s pavilion focuses on the future of urban living and its harmonious coexistence with nature. It introduces the concept of “Circular Cities” — cities built on circular economic principles. The aim is to shift from a linear to a circular economy and to create an efficient, low-carbon, and socially responsible society.

Italy’s pavilion emphasizes the importance of transport infrastructure — especially high-speed rail connecting European cities. It also showcases space research projects and initiatives that support the integration of seniors into society.

Reflection Takes Time
“I believe the program meets our expectations. The students are exposed to stimuli they couldn’t encounter in Czechia. These experiences are non-transferable. At the same time, it’s an intense experience for them. The reflection will take several months, and our program is designed with that in mind. In the fall, they’ll share their experiences in their classrooms, schools, and local communities. This year’s edition of the program will conclude on December 1st with a final conference at Techmania in Pilsen,” says Vlastimil Volák, Program Manager of DRESS UP & STAY HOME.