The virtual reality experience “Trail of Angels”, created by Lithuanian creators Kristina Buožytė and Vitalius Žukas, was a big hit at the EXPO 2025 World Expo in Osaka. The experience, inspired by the work of composer and artist M.K. Čiurlionis, is on display in the Lithuanian and Latvian pavilions and attracts queues of visitors every day.
“We have once again seen that the art of M. K. Čiurlionis, whose 150th anniversary we celebrate this year, is like a healing balm, which we can share not only with the people of Lithuania, but also with the whole world,” says Eleonora J. Romuva, Strategic Producer for International Development, who is currently presenting the work in Japan.
Japanese viewers call the experience meditation
Japanese audiences describe the Trail of Angels experience as a “meditative, peaceful journey”, helping them to relax and connect with their inner world. According to E.J. Romuva, after the screening, many visitors enquire about Lithuania and are interested in M.K. Čiurlionis and his work.
Lithuania presents itself through art, health and emotional well-being
The Lithuanian and Latvian pavilions at EXPO have a strong thematic focus: they showcase nature, man’s relationship with technology, health prevention and culture.
The virtual experience “Trail of Angels” reflects this theme, not only in its artistic solution, but also as an example of tools to enhance emotional health.
“Our aim is to showcase Lithuania as a country that can offer a meaningful, fun and high-quality experience. Japan is very sensitive to this,” says the producer.
Expansion in Japan – a real opportunity
The interest surrounding the project has led to discussions about the permanent presentation of the Trail of Angels experience in Japan. According to the developers, this is a realistic direction given the growing demand for therapeutic and awareness-raising experiences worldwide.
Čiurlionis’ journey continues
The virtual experience “Trail of Angels” 2024-2025 has already been presented in Greece, Poland, Sweden, Norway, Israel, Belgium, Spain, the USA and Japan. Portugal, France, Germany, Australia, Canada and the Japanese regions outside Tokyo are in the near future.
“We are well aware that such an overseas expansion would be hard to imagine without a team of partners. We are very grateful and feel strong support from the Chancellery of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, the Embassy of Lithuania in Japan, the Institute of Culture and other important organisations. Together we can bring the work of the most famous Lithuanian artist to the world.”
Japanese people who love the works of M.K. Čiurlionis will have the opportunity to admire his original works in the coming year. An exhibition of his works will be on show at the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo from March to June 2026.
Opened in 1952, it is the most important museum in Japan and the only museum dedicated to Western art in Asia.
“This will be the second major exhibition of this Lithuanian artist’s work in Japan. The first one was in 1992, when 165 works were exhibited at the Sezon Art Museum. We are delighted to be invited back and to show “The Trail of Angels” again in this country.”
“We believe that M. K. Čiurlionis’s work, rendered by modern means, can touch people around the world. And this is just the beginning,” says E.J. Romuva.
