ROBOT Expedition Departs from Hradčanské Square: Czech Vintage Cars Head to Osaka for EXPO 2025
At 10:30 this morning, the ROBOT Expedition Prague–Osaka EXPO 2025 set off from Hradčanské Square in Prague, beginning a journey that will take seven historic Czech vehicles all the way to Osaka, Japan, for the EXPO 2025 World Exhibition. President Petr Pavel, Japanese Ambassador Kansuke Nagaoka, and other distinguished guests attended the ceremonial launch.
President Petr Pavel personally launched the ceremonial departure from Prague Castle. "This is a positive message that, despite everything happening around us, we should remember that we have only one planet and must learn to live together on it. The ROBOT Expedition is, in a way, a journey of understanding and friendship," said Pavel, adding: "I wish the expedition beautiful weather at the finish line, just like we have here today, but most importantly, that they arrive at EXPO on time and in good health."
Josef Zajíček, the expedition leader and initiator of the entire project, who set off in a 1959 Tatra 603, thanked all the partners and institutions that supported the journey and continued: "This expedition proves that even from a garage in Central Europe, you can set off on a great journey to the other side of the world. We believe that Czechia and its people have something to offer the world – and that this journey will be an inspiration, not just a nostalgic ride."
The atmosphere of this great adventure’s launch was also followed live by visitors at the Czech National Pavilion at EXPO in Osaka. From there, Ondřej Soška, Commissioner General of the Czech participation, wished the crews a safe journey:
"I wish all the crews a safe journey and look forward to meeting them at the EXPO 2025 exhibition grounds, where the vintage cars will be on display for Czech National Day on July 24, allowing visitors of the World Expo to see them up close. This is a unique part of the accompanying program for the day, which will also feature performances by the Czech Philharmonic, Cirk La Putyka, the Czech Radio Children’s Choir, and singer Aiko."
Following in the Footsteps of the 1970 Sakura Expedition
The ROBOT Expedition builds on the legendary Sakura 1970 journey, during which four young Czechs reached the first EXPO in Osaka on foot and by hitchhiking—symbolically connecting past and present.
"The ROBOT Expedition continues the spirit of discovery that guided us back in 1970. Back then, we set off with just a backpack—today, it’s vintage cars. But the goal remains the same: to connect cultures and people," recalled Zdeněk Thoma, a member of the original Sakura expedition and patron of the current journey.
16,000 Kilometers and 12 Countries
Over the next five weeks, the expedition will pass through 12 countries: from Czechia through Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, China, South Korea, and finally to Japan. The route spans nearly 16,000 kilometers.
The first day of the expedition will end with an overnight stay at a campsite in Kecskemét, Hungary. Along the way, the convoy will stop in Bratislava and have an official meeting with the Czech Ambassador in Budapest. From there, the journey continues through Serbia and Bulgaria to Turkey, where the crews will make their first major stop in Istanbul. The expedition will then follow the Black Sea coast toward the Caucasus.
Crews and Their Vehicles
- Tatra 603 (1959) – Josef Zajíček a Robin Běhal
- Toyota Celica ST (1977) – Lubomír Pešák a Ivan Uher
- Škoda Octavia (1961) – Ivo Tůma a Radek Toman
- Škoda Octavia (1962) – Alois Krejčí jr. a Alois Krejčí
- Škoda 100 (1973) – Jan Drbohlav a Václav Dědek
- Škoda 120 (1980) – Miroslav Kuchár a Mikuláš Koščo
- Ford Mustang (1966) – Dalibor Šebek a Martin Novotný
A support vehicle accompanies the expedition, led by mechanics Valdemar Vašenda and Martin Haša. During the first leg toward Kecskemét, Hungary, the convoy will also be joined by a 1969 Toyota Corona, provided by Toyota Czech Republic, a partner of the expedition.
At the final destination — EXPO 2025 on Yumeshima Island in Osaka Bay — the ROBOT Expedition will be showcased during the Czech National Day on July 24.
Follow the Journey Online
Fans can follow the journey of the Czech vintage cars to Osaka not only on social media, but also on the website www.czecholdtimerexpress.cz/expedice-osaka, where the expedition shares its real-time location thanks to a vehicle tracking system provided by Commander.
