A unique expedition titled ROBOT Expedition Prague-Osaka, which will bring together Czech and Japanese cultural values and automotive heritage in 2025, was unveiled at a press conference at Prague's Letenský zámeček on November 27.Attended by Ondřej Soška, Commissioner General of the Czech participation in EXPO 2025, and Japanese Ambassador to Czechia, Kansuke Nagaoka, organizers revealed details of the journey involving six historic cars from Prague to the World Expo in Osaka, Japan.
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Inspired by the legendary journey of the Sakura 1970 expedition, during which four Czechs traveled on foot and hitchhiked to the first Osaka EXPO the ROBOT Expedition builds on this legacy. Under the motto “A Mission of Friendship and Peace Among Nations,” it will honor past adventures while celebrating Czech engineering, design, and a spirit of exploration.
Six veteran cars, thousands of stories
Leading the expedition is Josef Zajíček, owner of Autodrom Most and the ROBOT watchmaking company. “I’m passionate about Czech cars and craftsmanship. We want to show that the Czech Republic has always had much to offer the world. The ROBOT Expedition is not just a journey but also a message supporting our participation in the Osaka World Expo,” said Zajíček, who will drive a 1959 Tatra 603 alongside automotive journalist Robin Běhal.
Other participants in the expedition include a diverse line-up of car enthusiasts who will get behind the wheel of veteran cars with unique stories. Ivo Tůma and Radek Toman and the duo of Alois Krejčí Jr. and Alois Krejčí will set off in 1961 and 1962 Škoda Octavia cars, while Jan Drbohlav and Václav Dědek will represent Czech classics with the legendary 1973 Škoda 100. The other crew is made up of Slovaks Miroslav Kuchár and Mikuláš Koščo in a Škoda 120 from 1980. The list ends with the Japanese Toyota Celica ST from 1977, with Lubomír Pešák and Ivan Uher taking turns behind the wheel.
The expedition will cover 18,000 kilometers across 11 countries, passing through Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, China, South Korea, and Japan. The cars, undergoing meticulous preparation, will be supported by an experienced service team throughout the demanding journey.
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The adventure of discovery
Zdeněk Thoma, leader of the original Sakura 1970 Expedition, serves as a patron of the project. “Adventure has many forms. While life-threatening adventures are reckless, the adventure of discovery—seeing, hearing, and exploring—is something I fully support. I’m excited about the ROBOT Expedition and its mission of friendship and peace,” said Thoma, expressing hope for a successful, problem-free journey.
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A symbol of friendship at EXPO 2025
The ROBOT Expedition is among the standout projects showcasing Czechia on the global stage during EXPO 2025. Under the leadership of Czech General Commissioner Ondřej Soška, a memorandum of cooperation with the expedition has been signed.
“I appreciate how this project connects past and present while commemorating the iconic EXPO 1970, where Czechoslovakia won a special award for its pavilion’s architectural design. The expedition embodies not only technical skill and perseverance but also the values of friendship, community, and international cooperation, which are central to World Expos,” emphasized Soška.
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The journey will begin in Prague in June 2025, with the cars expected to arrive ceremonially in Osaka in July, culminating at the World Expo.
Crews and cars: 1. Josef Zajíček, Robin Běhal, ROBOT team - Tatra 603, 1959 2. Pešák Lubomír, Uher Ivan, Veterán Arena team - Toyota Celica ST, 1977 3. Tuma Ivo, Toman Radek, team BADGER - ŠKODA OCTAVIA, 1961 4. Krejci jr. Alois, Krejčí Alois, team ITAREG - ŠKODA OCTAVIA, 1962 5. Drbohlav Jan, Dědek Václav, team GenX130 - ŠKODA 100, 1973 6. Kuchár Miroslav, Koščo Mikuláš, team Vychodňare - ŠKODA 120, 1980
