ROBOT Expedition to Osaka Kicks Off from Prague This Saturday
This Saturday, June 21, a unique adventure across continents will begin from Hradčany Square. The ROBOT Expedition — a journey of seven historic vehicles travelling from Czechia to Japan — will embark on a 16,000-kilometre route to the World EXPO 2025 in Osaka. The ceremonial start will be attended by the President of Czechia, Petr Pavel, who will personally flag off the convoy. Also expected are the ambassadors of Japan and other transit countries, Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda, and the expedition’s patron, photographer and traveller Zdeněk Thoma.
Start at Hradčany Square – Live at EXPO too
The ceremonial launch will begin on Saturday morning at 8:30 AM next to the statue of T. G. Masaryk, with the vehicles scheduled to depart shortly after 10:00. Organizers are inviting the general public to attend the event, where visitors will have the chance to view the vehicles up close and meet their crews. A special highlight will be the legendary Tatra 87 of Hanzelka and Zikmund, on loan from the National Technical Museum in Prague.
The entire program will also be streamed live online, with coverage starting at 8:00 AM, available at:
- www.czecholdtimerexpress.cz/expedice-osaka
- YouTube stream by ČTK
The launch will also be broadcast live to the Czech National Pavilion at EXPO 2025 in Osaka, where visitors and guests of the world exhibition will be able to watch in real time.
Zdeněk Thoma: A Personal Link to History
The expedition will also be flagged off by traveler, journalist, and photographer Zdeněk Thoma, whose presence carries symbolic weight — he was the leader of the legendary Sakura Expedition, in which four young Czechs hitchhiked and walked all the way to the first EXPO in Osaka in 1970. That journey served as a key inspiration for the ROBOT Expedition.
“The adventure of discovery — to see, hear, and explore — is something I’ve always supported, just like the ROBOT Expedition. When Mr. Zajíček approached me and introduced the project of Czech vintage cars travelling to Japan, I was thrilled. I wish the expedition great success and a smooth journey,” says Thoma.
A Journey That Connects
The expedition carries the subtitle “A Mission of Friendship and Peace Among Nations.” Behind the wheels are Czech and Slovak enthusiasts driving legendary vehicles from Tatra, Škoda, Toyota, and Ford. Leading the expedition is Josef Zajíček, founder of the ROBOT watch brand and owner of the Most Autodrome.
“This is more than just a journey — it’s a statement. We want to remind the world that Czechia is not only a country of rich history, but also of innovation, design, and engineering. And that we have the courage to take on bold challenges,” says Zajíček, who will lead the convoy in a 1959 Tatra 603.
At the final destination — the EXPO 2025 exhibition grounds on Yumeshima Island in Osaka Bay — the ROBOT Expedition will be showcased during the Czech National Day, taking place on July 24.
Significance for Czechia and EXPO
The ROBOT Expedition will be part of Czechia’s official presentation at EXPO 2025. According to Commissioner General Ondřej Soška, the project is a remarkable way to showcase the Czech spirit to the world:
“The expedition aims to promote Czechia globally, highlighting friendship and cooperation among nations. Dozens of people across Europe and Asia have contributed to its preparation, and without their collaboration and support, this adventurous journey wouldn’t be possible. I deeply appreciate the dedication of the entire organizing team, which, like us at EXPO 2025 in Osaka, strives to show that Czechia has much to offer — from technology and innovation to culture and skilled, hardworking people. We have a lot to be proud of; we just don’t always realize it,” said Soška.
Crews and Their Vehicles
- Tatra 603 (1959) – Josef Zajíček, Robin Běhal
- Toyota Celica ST (1977) – Lubomír Pešák, Ivan Uher
- Škoda Octavia (1961) – Ivo Tůma, Radek Toman
- Škoda Octavia (1962) – Alois Krejčí jr., Alois Krejčí
- Škoda 100 (1973) – Jan Drbohlav, Václav Dědek
- Škoda 120 (1980) – Miroslav Kuchár, Mikuláš Koščo
- Ford Mustang (1966) – Dalibor Šebek, Martin Novotný
Follow the Expedition Online
Fans will be able to follow the journey of Czech vintage cars to Osaka not only on social media, but also on the website www.czecholdtimerexpress.cz/expedice-osaka, where the expedition will share its real-time location thanks to vehicle tracking technology provided by Commander.
Be part of it! Come to Hradčany Square on June 21 and experience the launch of an expedition that connects continents, generations, and ideals.