The large tapestry based on Raphael's models, 'Ananias and Sapphira', was exhibited for the first time in Japan during the Republic Day celebrations organised by the Consulate General of Italy in Osaka. "A marvellous testimony to the history of Italian art," commented the Consul General of Italy in Osaka, Marco Prencipe, during his inaugural speech, emphasising how Raphael, in addition to being a protagonist of the Italian Renaissance, was also an avant-garde artist in terms of communication and dissemination of his works. The tapestry, which is now part of the private collection of Roberto Bilotti Ruggi d'Aragona, was made based on Raphael's model by the Flemish workforce of Heinrich Mattens, some four centuries ago. Also in Osaka, on 28 June, there will be a lecture by Professor Costanza Barbieri, a lecturer at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome, who will delve into the genesis, symbolic meanings and Raphaelian influence of the work. Together with the local authorities, the ceremony was attended by the Italian Ambassador to Tokyo Gianluigi Benedetti, the Commissioner General for Italy at Expo 2025 Osaka, Ambassador Mario Vattani, and the Ambassador for Kansai Tsutomu Himeno, as well as a large number of representatives from the business community, the cultural world, and the academic and scientific community in Japan.
Simone Legno, internationally renowned artist and creator of Italia-chan, mascot of the Italian Pavilion, also took part in the celebrations. Italia-chan, whose style is reminiscent of Japanese anime characters, wears a kimono with the colours of the Italian flag and a crown composed of an olive and oak branch, recalling the emblem of the Italian Republic. "Italia-chan encompasses Italian symbols and colours, but also those of the designer's adopted country, Japan. With our mascot, Italy's participation in Expo has been enriched with a winning proposal with international potential, which will not fail to bring visitors to the Italian Pavilion," concluded Consul Prencipe during his inaugural speech. Expo 2025 Osaka will be held in Japan from 13 April to 13 October on the artificial island of Yumeshima. The theme of the upcoming World Expo is 'Designing the Future Society for Our Lives'.
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