It was a moment of surprise and celebration at the Kenya Pavilion during Expo 2025 Osaka, as Dr. Mayu Shimaguchi, a 42-year-old abdominal surgeon from Chiba Prefecture, Japan, became the Pavilion’s 1,000,000th visitor and won a fully sponsored safari adventure to Kenya.

Dr. Shimaguchi and her partner will enjoy a one-week dream vacation across Kenya, with stops in Nairobi, the Maasai Mara, Naivasha, and Nakuru, thanks to a sponsorship package led by Adequate Safaris, in partnership with Make It Kenya and Magical Kenya.

The announcement was officially made in Nairobi by Ms. Floice Mukabana, CEO of the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) and Commissioner General of the Kenya Pavilion, alongside Ms. Maurine Kabu, CEO of Adequate Safaris.

“We are delighted to reward Dr. Shimaguchi with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Kenya’s unmatched beauty and hospitality. This milestone shows just how far the Kenya Pavilion has come in winning hearts and telling our story on the global stage,” said Ms. Mukabana.

Dr. Shimaguchi expressed excitement about her upcoming trip, calling the win “an unexpected and thrilling gift.”

“I’ve always been curious about Africa, and Kenya has such a legendary reputation. I’m honored to be part of this moment and can’t wait to explore the country,” she said.

Magical Kenya, the country’s official tourism brand, will play a key role in ensuring the couple experiences an authentic and memorable journey complete with safaris, cultural experiences, and culinary delights.

The giveaway marks a highlight in Kenya’s Expo 2025 Osaka campaign, reinforcing its reputation not only as a top investment and trade destination, but also as one of the world’s most enchanting places to visit.

With the Pavilion now setting its sights on the 2 million visitor mark before the Expo ends in October, moments like this continue to amplify Kenya’s message to the world: Welcome to a land of beauty, opportunity, and unforgettable experiences.