Japan’s Expo 2025 in Osaka continues to draw large crowds, welcoming more than 100,000 visitors daily and attracting 25 million since opening nearly six months ago.

The exposition, held on the artificial island of Yumeshima, opened on 13 April under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives” and has garnered significant international and domestic interest. At the heart of the site stands the world’s largest wooden structure, the “Grand Ring”, designed by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto. Stretching 2 kilometres in length and 20 metres in height, the structure symbolises “unity in diversity” in a world divided by the pandemic and global conflicts.

Expo 2025 is divided into three main thematic zones: “Connecting Lives”, “Empowering Lives”, and “Saving Lives”, housing over 150 national and international pavilions. Each country showcases its culture, technology, and innovative projects to visitors.

In addition, Japan presents eight signature pavilions – “Better Co-Being”, “Future of Life”, “Playground of Life: Jellyfish Pavilion”, “null²”, “Dynamic Equilibrium of Life”, “Live Earth Journey”, “Earth Mart”, and “Dialogue Theater Sign of Life” – designed by leading Japanese artists and intellectuals. These pavilions have attracted long queues of visitors eager to explore the exhibits.

Sugano Masafumi, Deputy Commissioner General for Expo 2025 at Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, highlighted the importance of the event in promoting cultural exchange and Japan’s vision of a future society. He noted that the expo also provides opportunities for international participants to explore cooperation, with high-level officials among the visitors.

Sustainability is a key focus of the exposition. Pavilions are constructed from recyclable materials, and waste separation is actively encouraged. After the event concludes, the island site will be restored to its natural state, while the “Grand Ring” may be repurposed for future use.

The expo’s official mascot, “Myaku-Myaku”, has become widely recognised in Japan. Its red element represents life within the body, while the blue represents the ocean, reflecting the interdependence of humans, animals, and the planet. “Myaku” translates as “pulse”, and “Myaku-Myaku” signifies continuity.

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