“Strengthening ties with Japan means, above all, reaffirming—within an international framework marked by uncertainty—the will of the Italian regional system, and of the productive world it represents, to shape its own future. In the case of the Land of the Rising Sun, this will is expressed in its designation as a strategic partner and its integration into development strategies linked to major corridors such as the IMEC.” These were the words of Massimiliano Fedriga—both President of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and President of the Conference of Regions and Autonomous Provinces—who highlighted the significance of the special edition of Selecting Italy, held this morning at the Italian Pavilion during Expo 2025 Osaka. “In this framework,” he added, “Friuli Venezia Giulia, as a gateway to continental and Balkan Europe, can play a key role by leveraging its excellence in logistics and innovation.”