The Osaka World Exposition opened to the public on April 13th on the artificial island of Yumeshima. It is being held for six months and has 160 countries and regions attending.
The theme of EXPO 2025 is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives” with the sub-themes: Saving Lives, Empowering Lives, and Connecting Lives.
I’m so excited to find something new at EXPO 2025. You can experience all the things in the world in Yumeshima.
Let’s explore every nook and cranny in the wonderful international exposition!
Highlights
① Grand Ring
The Grand Ring is the symbol of EXPO 2025. One lap is about 2025m, and it is 20 m tall. It is recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest wooden architectural structure. It’s a circular structure and stands at the center of the EXPO site, connecting the pavilions to symbolize unity.
Some parts will remain as a memorial for future generations, just like the “Tower of the Sun” at the commemorative EXPO’70 park.
The view from the top of the Grand Ring is spectacular, and you can especially enjoy the sunset.
② Official mascot of EXPO 2025
Have you ever seen Myaku-Myaku before? At first glance, this character looks a bit unusual, but people have gotten used to seeing it.
In fact, Myaku-Myaku has become extremely popular recently.
It is multiple-eyed, and it was born from the union of cells and water. Its red part represents cells, and its blue part represents water to the harmony of life and technology.
Myaku means pulse in Japanese, like a continuous flow, so Myaku-Myaku refers to the hope that DNA and history will be passed down to the future.
③ Pavilions
There are Official Participants’ Pavillions, Japanese and Corporate Pavilions, (Domestic Pavilion) and Signature Pavilions at EXPO 2025.
In terms of Official Participants’ Pavilions, each country provides its features, such as culture, environment and technology. You can enjoy the exhibition or audiovisual presentation as if you were visiting abroad.
Here are some samples.
First of all, the USA Pavilion offers a visual presentation tour and gives visitors an opportunity to think about what we can create together.
They introduce five immersive exhibits for technology, space exploration, education, culture,and entrepreneurship. All these subjects are included in the now and then of the US.
What makes Japanese people happy is the appearance of Shohei Otani and some Japanese astronauts. This is a respectful expression to Japan as the host country.
Secondly, the Jordan Pavilion introduces its history through sound and visuals. It invites visitors on a magical journey that takes you from the present to the past.
To my surprise, you can step into the red sand, which is brought from the Wadi Rum Desert, in a 360-degree circular theater. This immersive location was featured in the movies “Star Wars,” “Aladdin,” “Indiana Jones” and so on.
Why not try taking off your shoes and sitting down on the soft sand to see Jordan’s starry night and rich history?
Lastly, I’ll introduce the most popular pavilion this time. The Italy pavilion exhibits first-class paintings and sculptures that would normally only be seen in a museum. They decided on the theme of “Art Regenerates Life,” which is suitable for a cultural power.
The pavilion places a theater, portico, piazza and garden, which are inspired by a Renaissance ideal city. You can be excited by this visit to the timeless history. Would you like to see and experience the actual artwork right in front of you?
At the Japanese and corporate Pavilions, the enterprises offer the future possibility by demonstrating the latest technology. I’ll introduce some pavilions that I personally recommend.
〜Japan Pavilion
Japan Pavilion sets up three areas, such as plant, farm, and factory in a circular layout.
As a host country, they give a presentation with the EXPO’s theme “Designing a Future Society for Our Lives.”
They created a loop to show biogas power generation using waste from the EXPO site. Also, they lead visitors to take sustainable actions for the future.
It is interesting to note that the famous Japanese characters Hello Kitty and Doraemon guide visitors in a friendly way.
〜Sumitomo Pavillion
With the theme “Toward a future from the forest,” Sumitomo Pavilion provides the forest tour. Visitors can explore the forest, holding a lantern and encountering the stories of life. The lantern tells tourists where they should go and what to do.
This is a great opportunity to face the environmental issues and to realize what we should do for the next generation.
They also give a planting experience for kids to continue the connection with the forest and nature.
〜Health Care Pavilion
Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City cooperate with universities and industries to exhibit the future of life and health. With the theme of “Reborn,” they exhibit regenerative medicine through the possibility of induced pluripotent stem cells
They also showcase the experience of urban life in the future that has never been seen before. Can you imagine making meat in your house? It seems like selective breeding will evolve beyond our expectations.
When you enter the pavilion, you need to register your personal health record. After a few minutes, a measuring machine predicts your condition in the future. Then, you can meet your future self in 2050. This experience is enjoyable for all genders and ages.
Would you like to have the experience of being reborn at least once?
Well, then I’ll introduce exclusive pavilions here.
Signature Pavilions stand in Inochi Park and in front of Water Plaza. Each pavilion was created by eight producers with the concept of life. Visitors can see from their current lifestyle to the future that they don’t know yet.
This concept throws doubt on peoples’ theories. It’s a great opportunity to realize the potential for human life. Producers express human life from a different perspective by using visual arts, animation, androids and dialogue.
Therefore, how you take it is up to you.
I hope you have a great journey of life and update your identity in the real and virtual experiences.
Conclusion
What do you think about my article so far? You are excited to go to EXPO 2025, aren’t you?
The EXPO will close on October 13th, and there’s no reason for you to hesitate to visit.
I have too many things to tell you to write them here. Could you allow me to write a continuous article in a short time?
Lastly, I’ll show you some pavilions that have a unique shape. I hope you will like them.
See you soon!
Brand Ambassador of kyoto Denim company, Kimono dresser, Japanese flower arrangement instructor I was born and raised in Osaka, I know this area like my backyard. I’d like to introduce Japanese culture and good points to someone from overseas. That’why I study English every day. Please feel free to ask me if you need anything.
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