Czechoslovak friendship at 16,000 km: expedition to Osaka started!

Czechoslovak friendship at 16,000 km: expedition to Osaka started!

Osaka, Japan - On July 2, 2025, seven vehicles with Czechoslovak crew from Prague to the World Exhibition in Osaka, Japan. This trip is part of the "Robot Prague-Osaka Expedition", which was organized based on the legendary Sakura expedition of 1970. The aim of the expedition is to present the Czechoslovak friendship, technical competence and the joy of traveling. The vehicles were ceremoniously adopted this morning by the Czech President Petr Pavel.

The first stop of the expedition was in Bratislava, where the event under the patronage of President Peter Pellegrini took place. Peter Vodráška, head of the Slovak President's office, emphasized the symbolic importance of this initiative for relationships between the Czech Republic and Slovakia. In addition, the expedition participants will accompany the expedition participants during the entire trip.

The team and the route

The expedition is led by Zdeněk Thoma, an experienced traveler, journalist and photographer who has already managed the Sakura Expedition. "The Robot Expedition is a mission of friendship and peace between nations," said Thoma. The participants are a group of enthusiastic Czechs and Slovaks, the historical vehicles of brands like Tatra, Škoda, Toyota and Ford. Josef Zajíček, the founder of the Robot watch brand, drives a 1959 Tatra 603 and will also lead the expedition.

The route leads over 16,000 kilometers, with the aim of reaching Osaka by July 20, 2025. The expedition will be presented on the Czech National Day, July 24th. This representation of the technical skills is intended to promote the connection and exchange between the nations.

background of the world exhibition

world exhibitions have a long history that goes back to the 19th century. The first world exhibition took place in 1851 in Hyde Park in London. Since then there have been a total of 98 other world exhibitions in which countries present their architecturally interesting pavilions to present specific special features. A separate pavilion has been built for each participating country since 1867. These events combine technical performance shows with leisure fun and are publicly effective forums for international exchange.

The planned motto and the structure of the Expo 2025 in Osaka are expected to be in line with the successful traditions of past world exhibitions, such as exemplary at Expo 2000 in Hanover or Expo 2010 in Shanghai. The focus on advanced technology, sustainable development and cultural exchange remains a central aspect of modern exhibitions.

The Robot Expedition is therefore not only a journey full of adventure, but also a strong symbol for cooperation and exchange between the Czech Republic and Slovakia, while preparing for one of the most important global platforms for innovation and culture.