Japanese Bundesliga stars draw crowds at Expo 2025 Osaka

Makoto Hasebe shares insights about his career in Osaka. This was the second time a former Japanese international and Bundesliga player appeared at the Expo, after 1. FC Köln ambassador Tomoaki Makino addressed fans a few days before.
  • Japan internationals Makoto Hasebe, Tomoaki Makino give fans, media insights into illustrious careers during events at the Expo’s German Pavilion
  • Bundesliga Legend Hasebe made 384 appearances in Germany, winning the Bundesliga with VfL Wolfsburg, as well as the DFB Pokal and UEFA Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt
  • German league matches also screened at the German Pavilion
  • Bundesliga most active of top European leagues in Japan

13 June 2025 – The Bundesliga again captivated crowds at Expo 2025 Osaka this week as Japan legend Makoto Hasebe took centre stage at the German Pavilion to give fascinating insights into his football career.

The former Eintracht Frankfurt, VfL Wolfsburg and 1. FC Nürnberg midfielder drew a large crowd which packed out the German Pavilion at the Expo on Wednesday.

Hasebe shared his rich knowledge of playing in the Bundesliga, having spent a decade playing for Eintracht Frankfurt, chalking up 384 appearances in Germany’s top flight on the way to becoming the Bundesliga’s most capped Asian player.

The 41-year-old, currently an assistant coach of the national Japanese team, entertained the crowd of media and Expo visitors as guest of honour at the German Pavilion having also played more than 100 international matches for the Samurai Blue.

“It was very exciting to be part of the Osaka Expo. It’s an honour to be chosen as a German Pavilion Culture Friend and to share my experience in both Germany and Japan,” said Hasebe.

This was the second time a former Japanese international and Bundesliga player appeared at the Expo, after 1. FC Köln ambassador Tomoaki Makino addressed fans last week.

As well as watch parties on Bundesliga match days, there will be more events to bring Football As It’s Meant To Be to the Osaka Expo, which runs until October.

Germany’s top tier has always been a hot-bed of Japanese talent, from Shinji Kagawa winning the Meisterschale in back-to-back seasons with Borussia Dortmund to Hiroka Ito, who in May became the latest Japanese player to win the Bundesliga after a successful season with FC Bayern München.

A relationship that spans generations, the Bundesliga has welcomed more Japanese players than any other of the European leagues.

At the FIFA 2022 World Cup, eight players from Germany’s top-flight were selected for the Japanese squad, more than any other foreign league.

With five Bundesliga teams visiting Japan over the last three seasons, as well as partnerships between a number of clubs, including 1. FC Köln-Sanfrecce Hiroshima, and VfL Bochum-Jubilo Iwata, the Bundesliga has consistently shown its commitment to fans in Japan.