OSAKA Expo 2025 officially opened in Osaka on April 13th with a grand celebration that saw over 10,000 people joining voices to perform Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, symbolizing harmony and global unity. Set on Yumeshima — a reclaimed artificial island in Osaka Bay — the six-month-long global event is themed “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” aiming to foster innovation and cooperation in a time of global uncertainty.
The Expo welcomes participation from more than 160 countries, regions, and organizations, showcasing a vibrant array of futuristic ideas, technologies, and cultural expressions across approximately 80 uniquely designed pavilions. This is the second Expo hosted by Osaka since 1970, which drew a record-breaking 64 million visitors. This year’s organizers are targeting 28 million visitors by October, although only 9 million tickets have been sold so far.
Visitors have embraced the event’s mascot, Myaku-Myaku — a whimsical red, blue, and white creature symbolizing life and water — wearing themed outfits and accessories as they explore the expansive venue.
Opening amid a backdrop of international tensions — including ongoing conflicts, economic slowdowns, and trade disputes — Expo 2025 represents a hopeful gesture. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba described the current state of global affairs as a “national crisis,” but emphasized that the Expo offers a timely opportunity to inspire global collaboration. Sachiko Yoshimura, Head of Global Communications for the Expo, echoed this sentiment, stating, “This event could help bridge global divides and strengthen international ties.”
A striking highlight of the Expo is the Grand Ring, a wooden architectural marvel designed by Sou Fujimoto. At 20 meters tall and stretching 2 kilometers in circumference, it has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest wooden structure in the world. Although its construction drew criticism due to rising costs—taking up over 14% of the Expo’s ¥235 billion ($1.64 billion) budget—the structure stands as a testament to sustainable design, with plans for partial reuse.
Technological marvels such as flying cars, interactive robots, and a high-tech update of the iconic 1970 human washing machine await visitors. Health and sustainability are key themes, with exhibits like a beating artificial heart made from iPS cells and ocean conservation initiatives.
Pavilions from the U.S., China, and Ukraine are among the most talked about. Ukraine’s pavilion, completed just hours before the opening, uses barcodes to share stories of resilience amid war. A returned lunar stone at the U.S. exhibit and lunar samples at China’s pavilion reflect the growing global interest in space.
