Intl. vloggers spotlight SZ innovation at Osaka Expo

Video and photos by Lin Jianping

To better tell the story of Shenzhen and showcase its innovation to the world, influencers Francisco Manna from Brazil and Pooneh Dabiri from Iran, both residing in Shenzhen, joined EyeShenzhen and Shenzhen Daily at Shenzhen Week, which was held May 12 to 14 at the China Pavilion during Expo 2025 Osaka in Osaka, Japan.

Daichi Araki from Japan, who lived in Shenzhen, is a founder of a website sharing information about Shenzhen with the Japanese community there. He also participated in the event.

Over the course of three days, a diverse range of events took place, highlighting Shenzhen’s dynamic growth.

The trip by these three expats was a highlight of the “Shenzhen Global Communication Ambassadors” and “Z10 Club” plans. They aimed to explore the wide array of activities combining cutting-edge technology and intangible cultural heritage during Shenzhen Week, and to share insights about Shenzhen’s technology, innovation, and culture with audiences, especially within their respective country communities.

At the dedicated Shenzhen exhibition zone in the China Pavilion, over 60 local enterprises gathered to present their latest innovations, including AR virtual fitting mirrors, smart foldable mobility scooters, bionic robotic hands, high-precision robotic arms, and more. The influencers spent a fully immersive day experiencing the future of Shenzhen’s community.

Francisco Manna was particularly excited to discover a laser printing machine that allowed him to create and print his own design on leather. Developed by Shenzhen-based Makeblock Co. Ltd., the machine offered a unique interactive experience.

Holding the customized card he made, Manna shared enthusiastically, “This laser printing machine provided me with this little card with my name on it. And I chose to put an airplane because I really love traveling. So this was a pretty good souvenir that I'm definitely going to keep it.” 

Francisco Manna (2nd L), from Brazil, observes a UBTECH miniature robot on display at the China Pavilion.

Dabiri interacted with Shenzhen ZHAOWEI Machinery & Electronics Co. Ltd., which showcased its mechanical hand capable of tracking human’s hand movements. According to the company's Japanese sales manager, they developed this dexterous hand using core components, including motors, electronic controls, and the entire transmission system, each element utilizing their proprietary technologies. 

Dabiri interacts with the dexterous hand by Shenzhen ZHAOWEI Machinery & Electronics Co. Ltd. 

Daichi Araki was impressed by an 86-inch screen provided by Shenzhen-based Horion, where he wrote“EyeShenzhen.” He found it a useful tool for meetings with clients, noting its flexibility to display images, videos, and its smooth electronic blackboard functionality.

On the afternoon of May 12, Araki attended the Shenzhen-Osaka Innovation Cooperation Conference at the Imperial Hotel Osaka, which was a sideline event of Shenzhen Week. The event attracted nearly 150 Chinese and Japanese government and business representatives.

Daichi Araki from Japan, founder of a website sharing information about Shenzhen with the Japanese community there. 

After the meeting, Araki shared with Shenzhen Daily, “I came to this event because it connects Shenzhen and Japan. Shenzhen leads in many technologies, like drones, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, and smartphones. We cannot separate Shenzhen’s technologies from the Japanese market. Japanese companies need Shenzhen.

On May 13, the influencers enjoyed a show of a segment from the Shenzhen-produced dance drama “Wing Chun.” After the performance, they had the opportunity to learn and mimic some of the dance moves from the performers.

“It really touched my heart. Honestly, I wish I could join them, but I don’t know the moves,” said Dabiri, who noted that the performance will be one of her favorite topics to share about Shenzhen Week on her Instagram. 

By sharing their experiences during Shenzhen Week on various social media platforms, these creators appreciated the opportunity to present Shenzhen from diverse perspectives, especially during such a high-profile event.

“It’s really great to be able to show all the wonderful things Shenzhen has to offer to the entire world,” said Manna.