Cover With a projected visitor count of approximately 28 million, Expo 2025 in Osaka is a grand global event (Photo: Bureau International des Expositions)
With a projected visitor count of approximately 28 million, Expo 2025 in Osaka is a grand global event (Photo: Bureau International des Expositions)
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To be held on Yumeshima, a man-made island in Osaka Bay, Expo 2025 will be open to visitors from April 13 to October 13
Often referred to as a “mega-event”, the history of the World Expo goes all the way back to the Great Exhibition in London, 1851, which showcased participating nations’ “works of industry” in a since-defunct cast iron and glass structure known as the Crystal Palace. As the world moved past the industrialisation age, so did the fair evolve—becoming a vital platform for cultural and technological exchange, international collaboration, and the pursuit of solutions to pressing global challenges.
Among the many highlights of the modern iterations (scheduled every five years since 2000) is the exciting array of architectural pavilions, through which each exhibiting country presents an innovative view into its national identity and areas of focus for the future. This, along with the different themes per edition, leaves the expected tens of millions of attendees with something to anticipate at every Expo.
This year marks the third time that Japan is hosting the event. With the main theme of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, Expo 2025 is designed to be a profound exploration of our collective journey towards a more sustainable, equitable, and interconnected tomorrow.
Above The "Grand Ring" is a soaring wooden structure encircling the Expo 2025 site in Osaka (Photo: Bureau International des Expositions)
Above Yumeshima Island in Osaka Bay (Photo: Bureau International des Expositions)
The "Grand Ring" is a soaring wooden structure encircling the Expo 2025 site in Osaka (Photo: Bureau International des Expositions)
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All eyes on Osaka
Steeped in mercantile heritage and the electrifying spirit of innovation, Kansai’s largest city is more than poised and ready to welcome the globe for its second such grand affair, 55 years after the Expo in 1970. This time around, the stage is set in man-made Yumeshima Island, marking the first Expo held on the sea. Purposely accessible from nearby Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe, this strategic location is likewise a testament to thoughtful urban planning and Japan’s efficient transport network.
Read more: 11 Kyoto and Osaka day trip spots for architecture and flower appreciation
Encircling the actual Expo site on Yumeshima is a mighty wooden pathway with a diameter of over 600 metres, symbolising unity in diversity as it guides visitors through the fair’s vibrant hubs of activity. Within this “Grand Ring”, more than 150 countries and regions are expected to debut their meticulously designed pavilions—architectural marvels that offer immersive journeys into the unique cultures, innovations, and solutions of each exhibitor. Alongside these, attendees can await compelling showcases from international organisations and groundbreaking presentations from Japanese national and corporate entities, including the highly anticipated Signature Pavilions where one can contemplate and experience “future society”.
Above Bird's eye view of Osaka Expo 2025's "Grand Ring" at night (Photo: Expo 2025)
Bird's eye view of Osaka Expo 2025's "Grand Ring" at night (Photo: Expo 2025)
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Tomorrow, designed
Flying cars, anyone? What about extended lifespans? More than a tremendous six-month spectacle, Expo 2025 demonstrates investment in a sustainable future. Its universal theme—which supposedly poses the straightforward question: what is the happy way of life?—comes alive through a dynamic programme of events and exhibitions focused on tangible progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Based on the sub-themes, visitors can expect to delve deep into healthcare, disaster risk reduction, AI and robotics, renewable energy, and other issues in line with humanity’s harmonious coexistence with the environment.
Nature and culture are repeatedly woven into the country pavilions, whose designs have been publicly unveiled months in advance, generating considerable buzz. Additionally, many of the structures on Yumeshima are not only crafted with responsibly sourced materials; they are designed to be multipurpose and recyclable once the Expo concludes.
Furthermore, the introduction of “Theme Weeks” will provide focused explorations into critical global topics, fostering dialogue and collaboration between participating nations, organisations, and thought leaders. Sure to sate the curiousity of astute business minds, discussions will range from the concrete steps towards a future where everyone has access to the necessities of life, to education in the era of AI, the creation of smart cities, and more.
Above Expect cultural performances nearly every day when you visit the world fair in Osaka from April to October (Photo: Expo 2025)
Above The Philippines' pavilion for Expo 2025 is designed by architect Carlo Calma (Photo: Department of Tourism Philippines)
Expect cultural performances nearly every day when you visit the world fair in Osaka from April to October (Photo: Expo 2025)
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Space for tradition
While the Expo’s technological marvels and sheer scale engender a futuristic landscape, its fierce, vibrant celebration of global culture illuminates the value of heritage and national identity as the world moves forward. Attendees can count on diverse performances, from traditional Japanese arts to contemporary expressions from around the globe. National Days will offer further insights into the stories and aspirations of participating nations, while special events and collaborations will foster cross-cultural understanding.
This also underscores why the event is not only for governments and businesses; it’s for discerning travellers, lifelong learners, and forward-thinking leaders. Expo 2025 offers an opportunity to witness the forefront of global innovation, immerse oneself in diverse cultures, and engage with critical dialogues shaping our world.
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Trained as a student journalist, Mac’s knack for writing was a serendipitous discovery. Years later and she can’t imagine doing anything else. When she isn’t typing away on a story, she revels in being lost in a new city, revisiting a cosy film or sitcom, and idling away with her dogs.
