World Expo 2025 is now open in Osaka, welcoming 160 countries and regions. Running until mid-October, the event highlights global innovation, culture, and cuisine. Host nation Japan hopes to inspire optimism through international collaboration.
Visitors can explore a wide range of exhibits. Highlights include a Mars meteorite, a beating artificial heart grown from stem cells, and Hello Kitty figures shaped like algae.
Architectural ambition and cultural exchange
The Expo site features the Grand Ring, the world’s largest wooden structure. Designed by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, the ring encircles many of the national pavilions.
Fujimoto sees the event as a rare chance for global cultures to meet and exchange ideas. “It’s a beautiful and valuable opportunity,” he said.
Pavilions reflect a mix of creativity and identity. Each structure showcases design elements that express both tradition and technology.
Diplomacy on display
Many countries are using their pavilions to share powerful messages. Ukraine’s booth displays a bold sign: “Not for sale.” It reflects President Volodymyr Zelensky’s stance amid ongoing conflict. Russia is not participating in the Expo.
Israel’s pavilion promotes peace, featuring a stone from Jerusalem’s Western Wall. Nearby, the Palestinian pavilion adds another layer of dialogue.
The United States pavilion, themed “America the Beautiful,” focuses on landscapes, AI, and space exploration. A simulated rocket launch includes dramatic dry-ice effects. Political topics, such as past trade policies, are not featured.
China’s pavilion, designed to look like a calligraphy scroll, highlights green technology and lunar samples from its Chang’e missions.
Innovation and quirky attractions
Visitors can walk the Grand Ring’s elevated skywalk for panoramic views. Afterward, they might stop at the world’s longest sushi conveyor belt or meet the many-eyed mascot Myaku-Myaku.
Unusual exhibits include 32 Hello Kitty sculptures styled as algae, showcasing the plant’s various uses. There’s also a “human washing machine” that reacts to a person’s heartbeat with custom visuals.
The Pasona Group is displaying a tiny artificial heart made from stem cells. “It has an actual pulse,” said spokesperson Byron Russel.
Drone-like flying vehicles and other cutting-edge transport concepts are also on show.
Sustainability as a core theme
Many pavilions, such as the Swiss dome, focus on sustainability. Designs aim to reduce environmental impact and promote green innovation.
However, not all efforts will last. After October, most of the Osaka Expo site, built on a man-made island, will be cleared. A casino resort is planned for the location. Reports suggest only 12.5% of the Grand Ring structure will be reused.
Public interest and ticket sales
The World Expo, also known as the World’s Fair, began in London in 1851 with the Crystal Palace exhibition. It takes place every five years. The 2020 event in Dubai was delayed due to the pandemic.
Organisers of the Osaka Expo 2025 hope the event will reconnect people and inspire a better future.
Japan last hosted the Expo in 1970, during a time of rapid economic growth. That event attracted 64 million visitors. Shanghai broke that record in 2010.
Today, Japan’s influence is more modest. Public interest is lower, partly due to a 27% budget overrun. So far, 8.7 million advance tickets have been sold — short of the 14 million target.
Japan tourism is booming, which adds to the challenge. Accommodation in Osaka is often fully booked. Hotel prices are high, especially near tourist hotspots like Kyoto.
Local resident Hirofumi Hayashi, 65, commented: “I’d like to visit the Expo if my schedule allows. But to be honest, I’m not sure the cost is justified. There are other priorities.”
