Spanning 184 days (April 13-October 13, 2025), Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan features over 160 participating countries and organisations and has welcomed 28 million visitors.
Hosted on Yumeshima, a newly developed man-made island in Osaka Bay whose name means “Dream Island” in Japanese, Expo 2025 has transformed this 155-hectare reclaimed land, about the size of 220 football fields, into a dynamic stage for cultural exchange, technological innovation and international cooperation.
Japan’s extraordinary Expo 2025 has captivated the world’s attention by breaking multiple Guinness World Records including the Grand Ring, the world’s largest wooden architectural structure, the biggest interactive fountain and the largest tree aerial display formed by drones, making Osaka the must-visit destination of 2025.
Visiting Expo 2025 in September 2025 was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that left me deeply inspired and energised. What I initially planned as a two-day visit soon expanded as I realised the immense scale, depth and diversity of the Expo demanded much more time. I revised my travel itinerary to return five times, spending over 55 hours, covering more than 100,000 steps and visiting 41 pavilions. Here are some highlights of Expo 2025 as I reflect on my experiences.
Watch this 60-second video for a virtual tour of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan!
1. The Expo is a mirror of the times we live in
Expo 2025 is Japan’s third World Expo and the second time the global event is hosted in Osaka. Japan has a rich history of welcoming the world through expositions, notably its first Expo 1970 in Osaka, the first World Expo in Asia, which set new benchmarks for scale, design and technological marvels. It attracted more than 64 million visitors and symbolised Japan’s emergence as a global leader in innovation and cultural diplomacy.
Japan’s second Expo 2005 in Aichi, Nagoya, highlighted environmental sustainability and harmony between nature and technology, an ethos that continues to define Expo 2025. Fun fact: The original site of the Expo 2005 has been transformed into Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park, which is now home to Ghibli Park.
Japan’s legacy of hosting World Expos intertwines with the broader heritage of the World Expos, whose origins trace back to the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London’s Crystal Palace–an event conceived by Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, to showcase industrial achievements and foster international trade.
What is a World Expo? A World Expo is an event that brings together people and innovations from around the world in an effort to address issues facing humankind on a global scale.
Over more than 170 years, World Expos, officially known as International Registered Exhibitions, have evolved as mirrors of the times, reflecting the world and endeavours of humankind in each era.
Held every five years, some of the most iconic Expos include Paris 1889, which unveiled the Eiffel Tower as a symbol of innovation, Philadelphia 1876 showcased Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone and Osaka 1970 introduced the high-speed Maglev trains.
Since the 19th century, world exhibitions have progressed from showcasing industrial achievements to exploring innovations and fostering global cooperation. In the 20th century, breakthroughs in science and technology that transformed society were highlighted and while in the 21 century, there had been a shifting focus on promoting international collaboration and addressing global challenges.
Focusing on the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” Expo 2025 shows us how we can envision and shape a sustainable and inclusive future society where technology and innovation come together to improve people’s lives and address global challenges.
What kind of future should we create to make sure that not only humans but everything that lives can thrive?
Expo 2025 features eight Signature Pavilions that offer immersive and thought-provoking experiences that encourage visitors to explore how we can create a better future together. Each Signature Pavilion is curated by a well-known Japanese producer and I had the honour of visiting three Signature Pavilions.
Conceptualised by renowned roboticist Hiroshi Ishiguro, the Future of Life Pavilion offers an unforgettable, deeply personal experience exploring human-android coexistence. Encountering the hyper-realistic androids up close is both uncanny and mesmerising.
These robots move and express themselves with stunning lifelikeness, blurring the line between human and machine. Future of Life invites visitors on a sublime, emotional journey, prompting profound reflection on identity, empathy, and our mortality.
It challenges me to consider how advancing technology might one day extend human life or allow consciousness to continue beyond biological limits. This intimate exploration leaves a lasting impression and I ponder about the possibility of a hopeful yet complex future of collaboration between humans and machines in creating a compassionate, inclusive society.
Produced by Kundo Koyama, Earth Mart explores the theme “The Cycle of Lives,” which I deeply resonate with as someone who loves food but often overlooks how it reaches my table. The pavilion encourages visitors to rethink their relationship with food through gratitude and sustainability.
Designed like an imaginary supermarket, Earth Mart is divided into two main zones. “Marketplace of Life” depicts a lifetime’s worth of food consumption with a stunning a chandelier of 28,000 eggs–the average number eaten by a Japanese person–alongside exhibits of withered indigenous vegetables showing plant life cycles, a sardine fish counter illustrating marine food chains and displays prompting reflection on food’s origins and true cost.
“Marketplace of the Future” highlights Japan’s innovative food technologies that integrate tradition with sustainability, including regenerated rice and Jiro Sushi’s animated use of farmed fish, Through these immersive experiences, Earth Mart embraces the spirit of “Itadakimasu,” inspires respect for food sources and warn us about overconsumption to protect the environment and future generations.
Produced by media artist Yoichi Ochiai and designed by NOIZ architects, null² is an interactive pavilion that explores the relationship between physical and digital worlds. The pavilion’s exterior is made of dynamic mirrored surfaces that shimmer and morph in response to wind and visitors, creating a living, breathing architectural form.
Inside, visitors’ digital bodies, called “Mirrored Bodies,” engage in autonomous dialogue within an infinite reflective space, blurring the boundaries between self and virtual selves. While I may not fully understand the concept, the pavilion’s striking, ever-changing mirrored design is captivating and unforgettable.
2. Unity in Diversity
Expo 2025 brings the concept “unity in diversity” to live as it showcases how the world’s rich variety of cultures, ideas and innovations can come together to create a more connected and harmonious future.
At the heart of this vision is the monumental Grand Ring, designed by architect Sou Fujimoto. Holding the Guinness World Record as the world’s largest wooden architectural structure, the Grand Ring is a vast circular walkway with a circumference of about two kilometres.
The magnificent wooden structure showcases a fusion of modern engineering and traditional Japanese timber joinery known as nuki. This nail-free technique, which involves precisely interlocking horizontal beams into vertical posts, is based on the craftsmanship of ancient temples like Kyoto’s Kiyomizudera Temple.
Rising up to 12 metres high (around 20 metres on the outside), the Grand Ring acts as a sheltered walkway and an elevated Skywalk that shield visitors from sun, wind and rain while offering panoramic views of the Expo grounds and Osaka Bay.
The wooden ring physically and symbolically connects over 160 national and regional pavilions within it. The continuous loop creates a shared space where people from around the world can come together to envision a future society collaboratively despite their differences.
Similarly, the Japan Pavilion, themed “Between Lives,” uses a circular wooden design to symbolise the continuous cycle of life and sustainability, aligning closely with the Grand Ring’s message of unity and collective progress.
Many national pavilions highlight historical and cultural ties that link Japan with the wider world and emphasise shared pasts, present partnerships and future aspirations.
The Spain Pavilion explores the Kuroshio Current, a warm ocean current that flows from Japan towards the Pacific, that has historically facilitated trade, cultural exchange, and marine biodiversity between Japan, Spain and other nations.
The Netherlands Pavilion draws attention to Dejima, the artificial island that served as a unique Dutch trading post in Nagasaki during Japan’s period of isolation, and shows how countries have been active in early international dialogue and exchange of knowledge.
France Pavilion combines stunning stylistic exhibits with a celebration of cultural connection. It features a glowing library of stacked Louis Vuitton trunks and Dior fashion highlights that spotlight French artisan craftsmanship and heritage.
Beyond design, the pavilion honours deep ties between France, Japan and the world, with an artistic installation of Mont Saint-Michel Abbey and Miyajima’s Itsukushima Shrine, both iconic places connected by a sacred shimenawa rope.
The USA Pavilion looks at the importance of space exploration as a driver of progress and global cooperation and celebrates the spirit of exploration and collaboration between the United States and Japan through its space-themed exhibition.
At its centre is an authentic lunar sample, commonly known as a moon rock, collected during NASA’s Apollo 17 mission. A similar moon rock was displayed at Expo Osaka 1970 and its return after fifty-five years highlights a shared commitment to the future of human exploration.
The China Pavilion, themed “Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature: Future Society of Green Development,” showcases a blend of traditional culture, green development and cutting-edge technology. Its rich displays of traditional culture, green development and futuristic technologies strive for a collective vision for sustainable global progress.
Watch this 6o-second video to see more pavilions and travel around the world at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan!
3. Shared challenges and shared wisdom
Expo 2025 embraces the concept of a “People’s Living Lab” and strives to be a unique laboratory for a future society where knowledge from around the world converges to generate and share innovative ideas aimed at solving global challenges.
This participatory and experiential space encourages visitors to collaborate, co-create and explore solutions together, reflecting the Expo’s core theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”
The Expo is structured around three sub-themes: Connecting Lives, Empowering Lives and Saving Lives. Each theme addresses important aspects of humanity’s collective future: Connecting Lives explores building inclusive communities through digital innovation; Empowering Lives focuses on individual potential with AI and robotics; and Saving Lives focuses on health safeguards and disaster prevention. Here are some pavilions that have explored challenges and highlighted a range of innovations and solutions.
The Japan Pavilion brings visitors on a journey through plant, farm, and factory zones where waste and resources are recycled in a living ecosystem. Showcasing both tradition and innovation, the “Algae × Hello Kitty” exhibit reimagines the popular character as 32 types of algae to shed light on their vital role in oxygen production, nutrition and sustainable industries.
By blending culture with real-world solutions like biogas power generation and recyclable materials, the pavilion demonstrates how circular, regenerative design can help to address some of the world’s most urgent environmental challenges.
The Germany Pavilion explores the circular economy through sustainable design and immersive exhibits. Built with eco-friendly, reusable materials, its seven circular wooden structures symbolise harmony and cyclical processes.
I engage with “Chatty Circular,” an interactive mascot-shaped guide that explains innovations in circular construction, energy, fashion and food. Presenting nature-inspired solutions, the pavilion highlights how embracing circularity can reduce waste and secure a resilient, sustainable future for societies.
Complementing the international pavilions are private sector pavilions by leading Japanese corporations such as Panasonic, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo and international organisations, they provide different perspectives and showcase groundbreaking innovations in energy, entertainment, healthcare and lifestyle and contribute to the Expo’s narrative of shared wisdom and global challenge.
Blue Ocean Dome, designed by Shigeru Ban, draws attention to the vital role oceans play in sustaining life on Earth. Constructed with eco-friendly materials such as laminated bamboo and paper tubes, the pavilion itself is a symbol of sustainable innovation. A powerful indoor screening uses striking visuals to remind us about the urgent need to protect our oceans from pollution and overexploitation.
The pavilion highlights global challenges like marine pollution and resource depletion while showcasing international cooperation and cutting-edge technologies that can conserve our marine ecosystems and develop sustainable blue economies.
Pasona Natureverse Pavilion, presented like an ammonite spiral symbolising life, offers a compelling journey through the themes of “Body, Mind, and Bonds” under the concept “Thank You, Life.”
Key exhibits include a pulsating human heart model created from 18 billion induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The pavilion features breakthroughs in regenerative medicine and futuristic medical technologies focused on healthcare innovation and accessibility.
Visitors are guided by Neo Astro Boy, a newly reborn version of the iconic character equipped with a human iPS cell heart, symbolising the harmony between technology, humanity, and nature. Astro Boy’s presence and a special short film that narrates a story of sacrifice, rebirth, and gratitude for life make this a very fun experience.
Pasona, a Japanese multinational specialising in staffing, outsourcing and human resource solutions, leverages its expertise to integrate science, technology and wellbeing in this pavilion. Designed with sustainability in mind, the pavilion will be relocated to Awaji Island after Expo 2025.
At the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion “Nest for Reborn,” visitors are invited to reimagine health and life through cutting-edge technologies. The pavilion’s unique architecture, inspired by DNA’s double helix, features wooden spiral columns that represent life and diversity.
I participate in the “Reborn Experience Route” and I meet my future self–an avatar generated from detailed health data collected within minutes that projected my wellbeing 25 years ahead. The pavilion’s exhibits, including AI diagnostics, telemedicine and innovations that cover topics ranging from ageing and health equity, to explore the possibilities of medical advancements.
The Tech World Pavilion from Taiwan offers an immersive experience blending nature with technology. Inspired by Taiwan’s mountainous landscapes, it features a towering digital Taiwania tree surrounded by 560 synchronised tablet screens, enhanced with forest scents and mist. Highlighting Taiwan’s global leadership in semiconductors, the pavilion showcases microchips arranged as a glowing mosaic symbolising the foundational technology of modern life.
Visitors wear smart wristbands that monitor their heart rates, allowing AI to personalise their journey based on emotional responses. Through advanced A and immersive visuals, this pavilion demonstrates how technology can deepen our connection to nature and contribute to sustainable well-being.
4. Culture as Universal Language
At Expo 2025 Osaka, culture truly serves as a universal language that brings people from all corners of the globe together in celebration and understanding. Many pavilions showcase a rich tapestry of cultures that convey diverse traditions, arts and histories of participating countries.
Through traditional arts, performances and storytelling from countries worldwide, I learn how music, dance and craftsmanship express universal human values. Many cultures showcased at the Expo emphasise harmony with nature, the importance of family and social bonds and the transmission of heritage through generations. This cultural resonance shows that while traditions may vary in form and style, they often address similar fundamental experiences and aspirations.
The plethora of fascinating architecture at Expo 2025 showcases a rich diversity of cultures and design influences, beautifully illustrating global creativity and heritage. Two striking examples are the Portugal and Qatar pavilions, both designed by the renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma.
The Portugal Pavilion immerses visitors in a poetic dialogue with the ocean, reflecting Portugal’s longstanding historical and cultural ties to the sea and its role in global sustainability. Crafted from suspended ropes and recycled fishing nets, the pavilion is transformed into a dynamic, ever-changing space with a fluid, wave-like form that interacts with sunlight and wind.
Inside, the exhibition traces Portugal’s maritime heritage and its centuries-old connection with Japan while highlighting contemporary challenges and innovations around ocean conservation.
The Qatar Pavilion celebrates the rich maritime heritage shared by Qatar and Japan through a sophisticated fusion of traditional dhow boat construction and Japanese wood joinery. Enveloped in a delicate white fabric reminiscent of sailing vessel sails, the pavilion evokes the historical trade routes and cultural exchanges across the Indian Ocean and surrounding regions.
Culture shines as a universal language that transcends borders and connects people through shared human experiences. This connection is also vividly expressed through food and culinary heritage and visitors have the opportunity to taste cuisines from around the world.
I enjoy savouring Belgian frites at the Belgium Pavilion, authentic herring at the Netherlands Pavilion and even Peruvian snacks at the Peru Pavilion. There are beers from around the world at the Expo and the beers served at many European pavilions like the Czech Republic beer are very popular.
Japanese cuisine is also on display at the Expo. Sushiro’s futuristic restaurant “Sushiro To The Future: Expo Edition” reimagines sushi for the next generation and serves an exclusive menu of “Fish of Tomorrow” where seafood and plant-based options are sustainably sourced to minimise the impact on marine ecosystems.
The diversity of cultures is also celebrated during the Expo’s special National Days. National Days at Expo 2025 are designated dates during the Expo when a participating country hosts a special event to showcase its culture, history and traditions through ceremonies and performances. These events provide a platform for international exchange and cultural appreciation, with a different country being honoured almost every day of the Expo.
I am lucky to have the opportunity to join Italy’s National Day ceremony and enjoy Belgium’s National Day parade and learn more about the countries and cultures.
5. Hope is a collective endeavour
Expo 2025 inspires hope as a collective effort and inspires visions of a shared future. Many pavilions focus on themes of unity, sustainability, and cultural connection, encouraging visitors to reflect on their role in creating a better tomorrow.
Inspired by Singapore’s nickname “The Little Red Dot,” the Singapore Pavilion, also called the Dream Sphere, is covered by over 17,000 recycled aluminium disc. The Dream Sphere invites people to share their hopes and aspirations, turning individual dreams into a collective story of hope. As a Singaporean visiting the Singapore Pavilion, I join other visitors to pen my my onto a digital canvas, which is projected on a giant screen. This is a moving experience as I truly believe that dreams serve as the foundation for sparking change towards a better future.
Expo 2025 has created spaces like this that serve as powerful reminders that hope is fuelled by collective imagination, unity and the courage to envision a brighter future for all.
The Gundam Next Future Pavilion, with its striking 17-metre Gundam statue ,explores possibilities of life in space and emerging technologies through immersive experiences, set in the fictional “Universal Century.” It invites reflection on how futuristic technology and dreams can shape a hopeful future.
The “One World, One Planet” drone show is a spectacular nightly display combining over 1,000 drones with light, sound and projection mapping. This breathtaking spectacle beautifully encapsulates the collective hope for a brighter, harmonious future where everyone’s wishes join together to inspire a world of peace and shared well-being.
As I reflect on my Expo 2025 experience, I begin to understand more why we have World Expos. In an age where we can connect with anyone through a screen, gathering in a physical place might seem unnecessary. But there is something profoundly meaningful and irreplaceable about sharing the same space, exchanging ideas, emotions and energy.
In a world that is marked by increasing conflict, division and uncertainty, Expo 2025 stands as a beacon of connection.
Walking through each pavilion, I witnessed stories of innovation, compassion and shared hope. It is in these moments that I realised why World Expos matter: they invite us to dream beyond borders and to rediscover the strength of a truly connected world. And there are important reminders that our progress means little without equity, we have only one planet with finite resources and we have to and we can do better.
I am filled with immense gratitude to everyone who has played a part in bringing Expo 2025 to life! The organisers, participating countries and organisations, performers, the artists and performers, the ushers and volunteers who helped with my visit and countless unsung heroes who worked tirelessly for over 180 days. Thanks for making every visitor’s journey unforgettable! ありがとうございます, 日本 !
What will be the legacy of Expo 2025?
Ultimately, it will be shaped by how the Expo site, the pavilions and resources are repurposed, the lasting impact of the innovations showcased and the connections forged between people. Whatever that legacy may be, I am grateful to have been a small part of it, with my 55-hour sojourn at the Expo–an experience that will continue to resonate long after Expo 2025 closes its doors.
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan Closing Ceremony
There will be a closing ceremony to bring the curtains for Expo 2025 to a close. With the theme “For the Futures,” the ceremony will feature speeches and performances to express gratitude to all the visitors and everyone involved in the Expo. The flag of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) will also be handed over to the next host country, Saudi Arabia. More details about the closing ceremony here.
Experience the magic of Expo 2025 and be part of the closing ceremony on 13 October, 14:00-15:10 (GMT+9) by joining virtually. Livestream on the official Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Expo2025Japan
For more information on travelling to Japan, you can visit the Japan National Tourism Organisation’s website here.
