The 2025 World Expo (Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan) will start from April 13 at Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka. Running for about six months, the Expo will showcase cutting-edge technologies and creative ideas from Japan and around the world under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” Visitors can also enjoy events that celebrate Japan’s local attractions and pop culture.
This is the first World Expo held in Osaka in 55 years, since the 1970 Expo. Let’s explore the key highlights of the upcoming event!
Expo Overview
Dates: April 13 – October 13, 2025
Opening Hours: 9:00– 22:00
Venue: Yumeshima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
A curious creature formed from the combination of cells and water. The red part symbolizes “cells,” and the blue part represents “pure water,” both of which change in size and shape.
One of the largest wooden structures in the world, the Grand Roof (Ring) spans about 2 kilometers in length, stands 20 meters high on the outer side, and has an inner diameter of about 615 meters. This iconic symbol of the Expo houses pavilions from various countries, representing a unified world within the ring. Crafted primarily from cedar and cypress wood using the traditional “nuki” construction method, the structure’s simplicity and grand scale make it a memorable experience. From the rooftop, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of both the ring’s interior and exterior, as well as breathtaking sights of the Expo site and its surroundings.
2. Signature Pavilions
Eight talented producers from various fields such as film, music, and biology have collaborated to create innovative pavilions. These exhibits explore the connections between “life” and different domains of life such as biology, digital technology, and food, encouraging visitors to reflect on these relationships. Here are some notable examples:
This pavilion, created by biologist Fukuoka Shinichi, features a jungle gym-like structure with 320,000 flashing LED lights and films focusing on the evolution of life. It encourages visitors to reflect on the concept of “living” and gain new insights into the biological processes that sustain life.
Designed by media artist Ochiai Yoichi, this pavilion features an array of structures made from a mirror-like membrane. Inside, robotic arms and other mechanisms cause the membrane to shift and deform, mimicking the behavior of living creatures.
and related technologies while simulating the experience of walking through a supermarket and discovering “new ways of eating.” The producer, Koyama Kundo, is a well-known broadcast writer and the creator of Kumamoto Prefecture’s mascot character “Kumamon.”
3. Future Society Showcase
提供：２０２５年日本国際博覧会協会
At the EXPO 2025, advanced technologies come together to bring the vision of a future society to life.
Digital Expo：This part of the event ensures a seamless experience for visitors with support apps, including guides and multilingual translation tools to overcome language barriers. These innovations make it easy for guests from around the world to enjoy the Expo to the fullest.
Smart Mobility Expo：Experience the latest transportation technologies, including the Advanced Air Mobilities operating between two ports inside and outside the Expo site and self-driving electric buses that can charge while driving. These cutting-edge systems offer a glimpse into the future of mobility.
提供：SkyDrive
画像提供：関西電力・Osaka Metro
Future City：Explore the future of urban life through unique animations by talented video creators and interactive programs designed like games. These experiences provide a fascinating look at how we might live in the cities of tomorrow.
Private-sector pavilions showcase visions of the future through themes such as communication, energy, and nature. Highlights include advanced technologies and space-related exhibits inspired by the iconic Japanese robot anime “Mobile Suit Gundam” and pavilions focusing on Japan’s unique cultural contributions in “food” and “comedy.”
5. Domestic Pavilions
提供：経済産業省
提供：関西広域連合
提供：関西広域連合
提供：（公社）大阪パビリオン
The Japan Pavilion will feature initiatives promoting life-sustaining technologies such as circular energy systems. The Women’s Pavilion will focus on sustainable societies from a female perspective, while the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion will propose ideas for future healthcare and diets. The KANSAI PAVILION will offer an immersive experience of the region’s rich history, culture, and tourist attractions.
With 158 countries and nine international organizations participating, the International Pavilions will showcase the latest technologies, traditions, and cultural insights from around the globe. Visitors can experience a variety of global lifestyles and forward-thinking projects. The unique designs of the pavilions, each reflecting the distinctive identity of its country, are also must-see!
Events at the EXPO
Physical Twin Symphony
提供：２０２５年日本国際博覧会協会
Dates: April 13–20
Location: EXPO Hall “Shining Hat”
This experimental live entertainment performance combines the energy of people with cutting-edge technologies, creating a unique experience to kick off the Expo in spectacular fashion.
Japan Fireworks Expo
Dates: April 26, May 31, June 28, July 21, July 23, August 23, September 27, October 8
Location: Yumeshima south side seawall
Experience breathtaking displays of traditional Japanese fireworks at this event, where top fireworks shows from across the country will light up the skies!
“Under the Midnight Rainbow”
提供：ダイキン工業・サントリーHD
Dates: Every day during the event, after sunset Location: Signature Zone Water Plaza
Enjoy a spectacular water show on a grand scale of approximately 200 meters in width and 60 meters in depth. With water, light, fire, images, and music, this immersive experience is sure to captivate visitors with its stunning visual effects.
In addition to these exciting events, there will be various exhibitions and performances featuring Japanese crafts, food, manga, anime, and more. Be sure to stay updated and check out the latest information to make the most of your Expo visit! https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/events/
To enter the Expo, register for an “Expo ID” before purchasing tickets, reserving your visit date, and booking pavilion viewings. For more details and to purchase, visit the official website.https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/tickets-index/
Example of the tickets
Opening Ticket (valid for single entry between April 13–26):
Adult (18 years and older): 4,000 yen
12–17 years: 2,200 yen
4–11 years: 1,000 yen
*Sales until April 12
First-Half Period Ticket (valid for single entry between April 13–July 18):
Adult (18 years and older): 5,000 yen
12–17 years: 3,000 yen
4–11 years: 1,200 yen
*Sales until April 12
One-Day Ticket (valid for single entry anytime during the Expo):
Adult (18 years and older): 7,500 yen
12–17 years: 4,200 yen
4–11 years: 1,800 yen
For more ticket options, check the official website.
I am from Shizuoka, with Mount Fuji in the background. I lived in Korea for four years and in China for 11 years. I majored in literature for my undergraduate and graduate degrees. I love strolling around in a city, listening to pop music, taking a ride in trains and cars, and visiting observatories in high-rise buildings. I have a sweet tooth.
©Expo 2025
